Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
JAXA FUTURE PROGRAM FOR SOLAR
SYSTEM SCIENCES
MASATO NAKAMURA
∗
, MANABU KATO and YASUMASA KASABA
†
Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Sagamihara, Kanagawa 229-8510, Japan
∗
mnakamur@stp.isas.jaxa.jp
†
kasaba@isas.jaxa.jp
This paper reviews the proposal of future solar system sciences by JAXA and
Japanese science communities, based on the discussion associated with the
proposal for the future space programs, “JAXA Vision — JAXA 2025 —”,
released in March 2005.
1. Introduction
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) was formed in October 2003
by the unification between three aerospace organizations: Institute of Space
and Astronautical Science (ISAS), National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL),
and National Space Development Agency (NASDA), which had different
backgrounds and roles. In September 2004, the JAXA members started dis-
cussion to establish the future vision for Japanese space activities expected
for the new agency. In March 2005, it was released as “JAXA Vision —
JAXA 2025 —”.
1
The Vision contains the proposal of future space activ-
ities for the next 20 years. The part for space science activities consists of
two blocks, Astrophysics and Solar system. This paper reviews the proposal
for latter part from JAXA and Japanese space science communities.
Solar system science missions in Japan have been promoted and orga-
nized under ISAS (now ISAS/JAXA). Since the launch of the first Japanese
satellite 'Ohsumi' in February 1970, scientists in Japan were actively
involved in space projects to create an ambitious future for solar system
sciences. Sun and Sun-Earth system were the main targets from the begin-
ning. Shinsei (launched in 1971), Denpa (1972), Kyokko (1978), Jikiken
(1978), and Ohzora (1984) made preliminary observations of Earth's iono-
sphere and magnetosphere. Taiyo (1975) and Hinotori (1981) blazed the
trail for the study of the Sun. Those missions led to the success of Akebono
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