The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, is Japan's national space agency. JAXA works on various projects and in the development of large works for aerospace exploration both Japanese and global.
The JAXA is responsible for investigations, technological developments and satellite launches into orbit, developing many complex missions. For example, the exploration of asteroids and possible crewed explorations to the Moon. Its motto is One JAXA and its corporate slogan is Explore to Realize.
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history of JAXA
The JAXA is the union of three organizations that were merged to form a single entity on October 1, 2003, to create the New JAXA: Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), the National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan (NAL), and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA). JAXA was formed to be an independent istrative institution, however, it is managed by the Ministério da Educação, Cultura, Esporte, Ciência e Tecnologia (MEXT) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC).
Before the merger, ISAS was responsible for space and planetary research while NAL focused on aviation research. NASDA, founded on October 1, 1969, developed rockets, satellites and also had built the Módulo de Experiências Japonês. NASDA also trained Japanese astronauts, who went on to fly on US Space Shuttles.
In 2012, new legislation altered the mandate of JAXA to allow it the right to include military space developments, such as early warning systems for future missiles on Japanese land and in the skies, starting from peaceful purposes. With the political control of JAXA shifting from MEXT to the Prime Minister's Cabinet with the inclusion of a new Cabinet for Space Strategy.
rockets
The JAXA uses the rocket H-IIA (H “two” A) belonging to the former NASDA along with its variant H-IIB for launching satellites for engineering tests, meteorological satellites, etc. For scientific missions that utilize, for example, X-ray astronomy, the JAXA uses the rocket Epsilon.
Japan launched its first satellite, Ōsumi, in 1970, using the L-4S rocket from ISAS. Before the merger, ISAS used small vehicles for space launches with solid fuel, while NASDA developed launch vehicles with greater payload capacity.
In the beginning, NASDA used licensed American models. The first launch vehicle model was made from the use of liquid fuel, the H-II model, from 1994. However, in the late 90s, with two launch failures of the H-II, Japan began to be criticized regarding Japanese rocket technology.
Japan's first space mission under the name JAXA was the launch of an H-IIA on November 29, 2003. It ended in failure due to the great pressure of the moment. After a hiatus of 15 months, JAXA made a successful launch of the H-IIA rocket at the Tanegashima Space Center, placing a satellite into orbit on February 26, 2005.
JAXA successes
Before the birth of JAXA, ISAS had performed very well in its space program concerning the field of x-ray astronomy during the 80s and 90s. Another successful area for Japan was Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) with the HALCA mission. Other successes included solar observation, magnetosphere research, among other fields.
NASDA was primarily active in the field of satellite communications technology. However, since the Japanese satellite market is completely open, the first time a Japanese company won a contract for a civil communication satellite was only in 2005. Another focus of the NASDA body is the observation of the Earth's climate..
The JAXA was awarded the John L. "Jack" Swigert, Jr. prize from the Space Foundation for Space Exploration in 2008.
Human Space Programs
Japan has ten astronauts, but a manned spacecraft has not yet been developed. A HOPE-X space project for the launch of an H-II, being developed for several years, was eventually delayed. Several other projects were proposed, some accepted, but being postponed or not being accepted.
The first Japanese citizen to fly into space was Toyohiro Akiyama, a journalist sponsored by TBS, who flew on the Soviet Soyuz TM-11 in December 1990. Akiyama spent over 7 days in space at the space station Mir, considered by the Soviets as their first commercial space flight, which allowed them to earn $ 14 million.
Japan participates in American and international programs, which include flights of Japanese astronauts. A mission for the space shuttle STS-47, in September 1992, was partially funded by Japan. This flight includes the first astronaut from JAXA, Mamoru Mohri.
The Japanese have plans to make a manned lunar landing, which is in development. However, the plans were shelved in 2010 due to budget constraints.
In June 2014, the Ministry of Science and Technology of Japan stated that it was considering a space mission to Mars. In a document, it was mentioned an uncrewed exploration. Missions to Mars and long-term settlements on the Moon are objectives of JAXA, for which they seek international cooperation.
Uchuu Kyoudai
You can learn a lot about Japan's space station by watching the anime Uchuu Kyoudai.
Uchuu Kyoudai Tell the story of two brothers: Mutta and Hibito, with Mutta being the older brother. When they were kids, the two witnessed a UFO, and since then they promised to go to space. Years and only Hibito becomes an astronaut and is about to go to the Moon. Meanwhile, his brother Mutta ends up losing his job for headbutting his boss.
But your old dream, which due to the problems of daily life was completely forgotten. With the help of your brother, such a dream could in some way be achieved. The anime shows the whole process that is necessary to apply and become an astronaut.
