June 24, 2010 Updated
Starting to open HAYABUSA sample container
A capsule of the Asteroid Explorer "HAYABUSA," which returned to Earth on June 13, was brought to the curation facility at the Sagamihara Campus to be inspected and disassembled.From the 24th, we finally started to open the sample container in the capsule. It will take one week to complete the opening of the container.
June 16, 2010 Updated
Successful image shooting of solar sail by IKAROS separation camera
The small solar power sail demonstrator "IKAROS," which expanded its solar sail on June 10, released its separation camera and took images of the deployed solar sail successfully.We will continue to measure the power generation status of the thin film solar cells attached to the sail, and will verify acceleration by the cells and orbit control by their acceleration.
June 14, 2010 Updated
Welcome back HAYABUSA to Earth after overcoming various difficulties!
The Asteroid Explorer "HAYABUSA" successfully separated its capsule at 7:51 p.m. on June 13 (Japan Standard Time, the following times and dates are all JST,) and re-entered the atmosphere to complete its mission operation at 10:51 p.m.After the landing, a helicopter searched for the capsule in the Woomera Prohibited Area, and at around 11:56 p.m. on the 13th, its location was confirmed.
For about seven years since its launch by an M-V Launch Vehicle in May 2003, the HAYABUSA successfully completed a great achievement by landing on the asteroid "ITOKAWA," gathering rocks there, and returning to the Earth with them while overcoming various troubles.
June 11, 2010 Updated
IKAROS successfully deploys sail!
The Small Solar Power Sail Demonstrator "IKAROS" launched by the H-IIA F17 began to deploy its sail on June 3 (Japan Standard Time, JST,) and on June 10 (JST,) JAXA confirmed the proper extension of the sail and power generation by the thin film solar cells at about 7.7 million km from the Earth.We will continue to measure the power generation status of the cells attached to the sail, and will verify acceleration by the cells and orbit control by their acceleration.
June 9, 2010 Updated
Launch day of MICHIBIKI decided! Special site opens
The launch day of the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 18 with the first Quasi-Zenith Satellite "MICHIBIKI" onboard was set between 10:54 p.m. and 11:54 p.m. on August 2 (Mon., Japan Standard Time.)We have opened the "MICHIBIKI special site" to provide updated information about MICHIBIKI's preparation and launch status. Please enjoy the site.
We are welcoming your support messages at the special site. We are looking forward to delivering your messages to the MICHIBIKI project team who are in charge of development and operation of the satellite.
June 8, 2010 Updated
Let's welcome back HAYABUSA to Earth!
JAXA will broadcast a live report of the arrival of the Asteroid Explorer "HAYABUSA" on June 13th (Sun.) when it is scheduled to come back to Earth. The live broadcast is divided into two segments, from 12:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.The report will show you not only the HAYABUSA's return trip but also scenes in the control room and people’s feelings toward the HAYABUSA mission. Let’s welcome the HAYABUSA back together!
We will hold a special open-facility at the Sagamihara Campus, where HAYABUSA operations are being performed, to provide a public viewing. Please look forward to the HAYABUSA’s return.
June 5, 2010 Updated
HAYABUSA heading to Australia
JAXA confirmed that the third trajectory correction maneuver (TCM-3) was successfully carried out for the Asteroid Explorer "HAYABUSA" at 1:44 p.m. on June 5 (Japan Standard Time.)This operation completed the guidance of the HAYABUSA from the Earth's outer rim to the Woomera Prohibited Area in Australia.
June 2, 2010 Updated
Welcome home Astronaut Noguchi after five and half months in space!
Astronaut Souichi Noguchi, who has lived on the International Space Station (ISS) since December 23, 2009, left the ISS at 9:04 a.m. on June 2 (Japan Standard Time) aboard a Soyuz spacecraft (21S/TMA-17). He successfully arrived back on Earth at 12:24 (JST) in the Republic of Kazakhstan. (Photo by JAXA/NASA/Bill Ingalls)