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June 19, 2009 Updated

Last shots taken by KAGUYA's HDTV, TC and other cameras

JAXA released final still images taken by the High Definition Television (HDTV) of the lunar explorer "KAGUYA," which was maneuvered to be dropped onto the Moon's surface on June 11.

We also provided a 3D movie compiled based on observation data captured by the Terrain Camera (TC) about 12 minutes prior to its landing on the Moon, and the last observation data of the Multi-band Imager during the second last revolution ahda of the last one before hitting the Moon.

We plan to hold a public event "Fly me to the Moon in AKIBA" to commemorate the completion of the KAGUYA mission in Akihabara (Tokyo) on July 18 and 19. Please come and join us.

June 17, 2009 Updated

"Kibo" final assembly flight launch delayed again

The launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour with the Exposed Facility and Experiment Logistic Module Exposed Section of the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" onboard has been postponed again as leakage was found in a hydrogen gas vent line during hydrogen loading into the propellant tank.
The new launch day will be announced as soon as it is determined.
(Image from NASA)

June 16, 2009 Updated

Final "Kibo" assembly flight launch rescheduled for 6:40 p.m. on June 17 (JST)

The launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour with the Exposed Facility and Experiment Logistic Module Exposed Section of the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" onboard has been postponed to 6:40 p.m. on June 17 (Wed. JST, or 5:40 a.m. on the same day, EDT.)

With this 2J/A (STS-127) mission, the assembly of the "Kibo" will be completed. Astronaut Wakata, who has been at the ISS as a crewmember of Expedition 18/19/20 since March, is slated to come back to Earth on the Shuttle after completing the assembly.

June 11, 2009 Updated

KAGUYA dropped onto Moon's surface

The lunar explorer "KAGUYA" was maneuvered to be dropped around 80.4 degrees east longitude and 65.5 degrees south latitude onto the Moon at 3:25 a.m. on June 11 (Japan Standard Time.) The KAGUYA carried out global observations of the Moon for 17 months since its launch on September 14,2007.
We are now asking people all over the world to provide us with images of the collision flash generated when the KAGUYA hits the Moon's surface, if someone successfully captures this feat.
The KAGUYA's observation data will be released through the Internet from Nov. 1.

June 4, 2009 Updated

Final "Kibo" assembly flight (2J/A) is set to be launched at 8:17 p.m. on June 13 (JST)

The next Space Shuttle Endeavour mission has been set for 8:17 p.m. on June 13 (Sat. Japan Standard Time, or at 7:17 a.m. on June 13, US Eastern Daylight Savings Time). The Endeavour will carry the Exposed Facility and Experiment Logistic Module Exposed Section of the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" to the International Space Station (ISS.)
With this 2J/A (STS-127) mission, the assembly of the "Kibo" will be completed. Astronaut Wakata, who has been at the ISS as a crewmember of Expedition 18/19/20 since March, is slated to come back to Earth on the Shuttle after completing the assembly. (Photo by NASA)

June 2, 2009 Updated

This year's theme is "From the Kibo to deeper into space" JAXA Symposium 2009 will be held on July 9 (Thu)

The "JAXA Symposium" marks its fifth anniversary this year. We will hold it from 6:30 p.m. on July 9 (Thu) at Yurakucho Asahi Hall (Chiyoda-ku Tokyo.) This year's theme is "From the Kibo to deeper into space." We will welcome Ms. Mitsuyo Kusano (announcer) as a navigator, and will present JAXA's space activities in an easy-to-understand way. The various topics cover from popular activities such as space medicine at the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" to less familiar themes such as astronomical observations to elucidate deep space.
Some 750 people can join us on a first-come, first-served basis, so don't be late to register. You are welcome to visit on your way home from work.