JAXA Washington DC Office

06/23/2021

JAXA has formed Japan Supersonic Research (JSR) with six corporations and organizations to advance the R&D of supersonic aircraft technology. The members are: The members of Japan Supersonic Research (JSR) are: JAXA, Japan Aircraft Development Association (JADC), The Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies (SJAC), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Kawasaki Heavy Industries(KHI), SUBARU Corporation and IHI Corporation.

The attached image is a rendered visualization of a potential supersonic passenger aircraft. ©JAXA

JAXA has formed Japan Supersonic Research (JSR) with six corporations and organizations to advance the R&D of supersonic aircraft technology. The members are: The members of Japan Supersonic Research (JSR) are: JAXA, Japan Aircraft Development Association (JADC), The Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies (SJAC), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Kawasaki Heavy Industries(KHI), SUBARU Corporation and IHI Corporation.

The attached image is a rendered visualization of a potential supersonic passenger aircraft. ©JAXA

06/23/2021

JAXA and Honda to begin a joint feasibility study on a “circulative renewable energy system" designed to supply oxygen, hydrogen and electricity for human outposts in space.
https://global.jaxa.jp/press/2021/06/20210614-2_e.html

JAXA and Honda to begin a joint feasibility study on a “circulative renewable energy system" designed to supply oxygen, hydrogen and electricity for human outposts in space.
https://global.jaxa.jp/press/2021/06/20210614-2_e.html

06/23/2021

Evaluating the long-term effect of space radiation on the reproductive normality of mammalian sperm preserved on the International Space Station

Freeze-dried mouse sperm produced healthy "pups" after being exposed to space radiation for nearly six years aboard KIBO, the Japanese experiment module on the International Space Station. 🐀
You can find the research result here: https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/7/24/eabg5554

Space radiation may cause DNA damage to cells and concern for the inheritance of mutations in offspring after deep space exploration. However, there is no way to study the long-term effects of space radiation using biological materials. Here, we developed a method to evaluate the biological effect o...

05/24/2021

Use your ingenuity to solve challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic!
The all-virtual global Earth Observation Dashboard Hackathon, supported by NASA, ESA and JAXA, will take place from 6/23-6/29. 🚀
#EODashHack

https://www.eodashboardhackathon.org/

Use your ingenuity to solve challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic!
The all-virtual global Earth Observation Dashboard Hackathon, supported by NASA, ESA and JAXA, will take place from 6/23-6/29. 🚀
#EODashHack

https://www.eodashboardhackathon.org/

05/12/2021

Defenders of Earth on Planetary Radio

In this episode from Planetary Radio, Masaki Fujimoto, Deputy Director General of JAXA's Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), talks about how the Hayabusa2 project can benefit the global science community and, in some ways, the effort to defend Earth from near-Earth objects (NEOs) as well. (Starts @ 26:40)

He was joined by five other panelists who attended the 2021 Planetary Defense Conference held on April 29.

https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2021-pdc-public-event

Six planetary defense leaders report on progress toward protecting Earth from near-Earth objects.

05/02/2021

JAXA | Return of Crew Dragon Spacecraft (Crew-1) with JAXA Astronaut NOGUCHI Soichi

After spending 165 days at the International Space Station, the Crew-1 astronauts, including JAXA astronaut NOGUCHI Soichi, have safely returned to Earth Sunday (2:56 EDT, 15:56 JST)!

https://global.jaxa.jp/press/2021/05/20210502-1_e.html

Get information on the Return of Crew Dragon Spacecraft (Crew-1) with JAXA Astronaut NOGUCHI Soichi. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) performs various activities related to aerospace as an organization, from basic research in the aerospace field to development and utilization.

05/01/2021

JAXA | Return Date and Time of Crew Dragon Spacecraft (Crew-1) with JAXA Astronaut NOGUCHI Soichi

[UPDATE] The Crew-1 members, including JAXA astronaut NOGUCHI Souchi, are now scheduled to return to Earth on Sunday!
(Schedule in 24-hour format)
Undocking: 5/1, 8:35 EDT (5/2, 9:35 JST)
Splashdown: 5/2, 2:57 EDT (5/2, 15:57 JST)

https://global.jaxa.jp/press/2021/05/20210501-1_e.html

Get information on the Return Date and Time of Crew Dragon Spacecraft (Crew-1) with JAXA Astronaut NOGUCHI Soichi. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) performs various activities related to aerospace as an organization, from basic research in the aerospace field to development and utilizat...

04/30/2021

JAXA | Return Postponement of Crew Dragon Spacecraft (Crew-1) with JAXA Astronaut NOGUCHI Soichi

The departure of the Crew-1 astronauts — including JAXA astronaut NOGUCHI Souchi— from the ISS will be delayed due to weather forecast in the splashdown area. We will update the information when it becomes available.

https://global.jaxa.jp/press/2021/04/20210430-1_e.html

Get information on the Return Postponement of Crew Dragon Spacecraft (Crew-1) with JAXA Astronaut NOGUCHI Soichi. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) performs various activities related to aerospace as an organization, from basic research in the aerospace field to development and utilizati...

04/28/2021

JAXA astronaut HOSHIDE Akihiko is now officially the 63rd commander of the International Space Station after receiving the station key from NASA astronaut Shannon Walker in the transfer of command ceremony on Tuesday afternoon (EDT)!

JAXA astronaut HOSHIDE Akihiko is now officially the 63rd commander of the International Space Station after receiving the station key from NASA astronaut Shannon Walker in the transfer of command ceremony on Tuesday afternoon (EDT)!

04/28/2021

Our JAXA Washington DC Office's Director Masami Onoda's sense of humor was on full display the other day as she appeared on a Japanese TV show to talk about JAXA and her role as Japan's "Space Ambassador"! (^_-)-☆

Our former Deputy Director Isao Kotani also joined her for the episode.

There's no English caption, but if you happen to speak Japanese, we know you will enjoy this!
https://youtu.be/dM9wt85QdEA

For more information about the show, please visit: https://www.bs4.jp/Makitakunhatsukanmuribangumi/

They also have a Twitter account: @intospacegogogo

Our JAXA Washington DC Office's Director Masami Onoda's sense of humor was on full display the other day as she appeared on a Japanese TV show to talk about JAXA and her role as Japan's "Space Ambassador"! (^_-)-☆

Our former Deputy Director Isao Kotani also joined her for the episode.

There's no English caption, but if you happen to speak Japanese, we know you will enjoy this!
https://youtu.be/dM9wt85QdEA

For more information about the show, please visit: https://www.bs4.jp/Makitakunhatsukanmuribangumi/

They also have a Twitter account: @intospacegogogo

04/27/2021

JAXA | Return Postponement of Crew Dragon Spacecraft (Crew-1) with JAXA Astronaut NOGUCHI Soichi

The return of the Crew-1 members, including JAXA astronaut NOGUCHI Soichi, has been rescheduled for May 1, 11:36 a.m. EDT (May 2, 0:36 a.m. JST), due to weather forecast in the splashdown zones in the Gulf of Mexico.

https://global.jaxa.jp/press/2021/04/20210427-1_e.html

Get information on the Return Postponement of Crew Dragon Spacecraft (Crew-1) with JAXA Astronaut NOGUCHI Soichi. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) performs various activities related to aerospace as an organization, from basic research in the aerospace field to development and utilizati...

04/24/2021

JAXA | JAXA Astronaut HOSHIDE Akihiko Starts the International Space Station (ISS) Expedition Mission

JAXA President’s comment on astronaut HOSHIDE Akihiko’s arrival at the International Space Station

https://global.jaxa.jp/press/2021/04/20210424-1_e.html

Get information on the JAXA Astronaut HOSHIDE Akihiko Starts the International Space Station (ISS) Expedition Mission. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) performs various activities related to aerospace as an organization, from basic research in the aerospace field to development and util...

04/23/2021

Breathtaking view of the Crew-2 launch from this morning! 🚀

04/23/2021

JAXA | Launch of the Crew Dragon Spacecraft (Crew-2) with JAXA Astronaut HOSHIDE Akihiko

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-2 is scheduled to dock at the International Space Station tomorrow, April 24, at 5:10 EDT (18:10 JST)!

https://global.jaxa.jp/press/2021/04/20210423-1_e.html

Get information on the Launch of the Crew Dragon Spacecraft (Crew-2) with JAXA Astronaut HOSHIDE Akihiko. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) performs various activities related to aerospace as an organization, from basic research in the aerospace field to development and utilization.

04/23/2021

NASA's SpaceX Crew-2 Launch to the International Space Station

NASA's SpaceX Crew-2 Launch to the International Space Station

04/22/2021

JAXA astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, who got the job on the third try, wants aspiring astronauts to never give up on their dreams.
Space missions increasingly require astronauts w/ diverse backgrounds, he has said.
"Don't be afraid of challenges or failure. What's important is to learn from your experience and move forward."
You can also watch NASA's new clip in which he talks about his childhood dream here:
https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1385022455534788615?s=20

JAXA astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, who got the job on the third try, wants aspiring astronauts to never give up on their dreams.
Space missions increasingly require astronauts w/ diverse backgrounds, he has said.
"Don't be afraid of challenges or failure. What's important is to learn from your experience and move forward."
You can also watch NASA's new clip in which he talks about his childhood dream here:
https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1385022455534788615?s=20

04/21/2021

Crew-2: NASA, SpaceX Reschedule Launch for Friday at 5:49 a.m. EDT – Commercial Crew Program

NASA SpaceX Crew-2's launch has been rescheduled for Friday 5:49 a.m. EDT (Friday 18:49 JST) due to weather.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2021/04/21/crew-2-nasa-spacex-reschedule-launch-for-friday-at-549-a-m-edt/

Crew-2: NASA, SpaceX Reschedule Launch for Friday at 5:49 a.m. EDT A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company’s Crew Dragon spacecraft onboard is seen at sunset on the launch pad at Launch Complex 39A as preparations continue for the Crew-2 mission, Monday, April 19, 2021, at NASA’s Kennedy Space...

04/20/2021

Levitating and Melting Materials using Coulomb Force

Melting levitating materials that have a high melting point by using JAXA's Electrostatic Levitation Furnace (ELF) is one of many science research projects that will be taking place inside KIBO, the Japanese experiment module, during the NASA SpaceX Crew-2 mission!

For more info on ELF:
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/news/b4h-3rd/it-levitating-without-container

On Earth, a liquid needs a container to stay put. Because no containers are suitable for temperatures higher than 2000°C (3632°F), it is difficult to melt materials that have a high melting point. Containers react to high temperature and contaminate the materials.

04/20/2021

The NASA SpaceX Crew-2 mission will be JAXA astronaut Akihiko Hoshide's third stay aboard the International Space Station.
He will serve as the ISS's 63rd commander (the second Japanese to hold the position).

The NASA SpaceX Crew-2 mission will be JAXA astronaut Akihiko Hoshide's third stay aboard the International Space Station.
He will serve as the ISS's 63rd commander (the second Japanese to hold the position).

04/02/2021

Please join JAXA Washington DC Office Director Masami Onoda and Ms. Karen Bradford, Director of the Partnership Office at NASA Ames Research Center, on April 15 at 4 pm PDT (April 16 at 8 a.m. JST), for “U.S.-Japan Collaboration and Public-Private Partnerships for Space Exploration,” hosted by Japan House Los Angeles!

This one-hour online discussion will focus on the importance of strategic partnerships -- particularly public-private partnerships and NASA-JAXA collaboration!

https://www.japanhousela.com/events/us-japan-collaboration-and-public-private-partnership-for-space-exploration/

03/31/2021

RABBIT

Navigating satellites away from space debris has just gotten a whole lot easier! JAXA's debris collision avoidance tool, RABBIT, is now available for use by any satellite operators for free!

For additional detail and registration, please visit: https://sma.jaxa.jp/Software/RABBIT/index.html

03/30/2021

JAXA’s Astronaut Soichi Noguchi and three other members of NASA’s SpaceX Crew 1 are returning to Earth!
Splashdown off the coast of Florida is targeted for April 28 at 12:35 p.m. EDT (April 29 at 1:35 a.m. JST) -- which is 6 days after Crew 2’s scheduled liftoff!

JAXA’s Astronaut Soichi Noguchi and three other members of NASA’s SpaceX Crew 1 are returning to Earth!
Splashdown off the coast of Florida is targeted for April 28 at 12:35 p.m. EDT (April 29 at 1:35 a.m. JST) -- which is 6 days after Crew 2’s scheduled liftoff!

03/30/2021

NASA’s SpaceX Crew 2 mission carrying JAXA’s Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, along with three other astronauts from NASA and ESA, will launch to the ISS on April 22!
The liftoff from Kennedy Space Center is scheduled for 6:11 am EDT, 19:11 (7:11 p.m.) JST.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew 2 mission carrying JAXA’s Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, along with three other astronauts from NASA and ESA, will launch to the ISS on April 22!
The liftoff from Kennedy Space Center is scheduled for 6:11 am EDT, 19:11 (7:11 p.m.) JST.

03/29/2021

JAXA and NTT DATA are working together to improve the accuracy of 3D mapping of forested areas with the use of laser altimeters (LIDAR) on satellites/spacecraft.
The project also aims to find ways to create better maps for disaster response and management.

Press release: https://global.jaxa.jp/press/2021/03/20210326-1_e.html

Images
Left: Potential flood risk areas identified with the use of a digital surface model
Right: The map is expected to look like this when using a highly accurate digital terrain model

03/25/2021

Another photo from the extreme low temperature test of the H3 rocket on 3/17 and 3/18 at Tanegashima Space Center. 🚀

Another photo from the extreme low temperature test of the H3 rocket on 3/17 and 3/18 at Tanegashima Space Center. 🚀

03/18/2021

We successfully completed the extreme low-temperature test of the H3 rocket!
The test took place from March 17 thru March 18 at Tanegashima Space Center, following a month-long rocket assembly. When mounted on the mobile launcher, ML5, the H3 rocket stood 64 meter tall from the ground.

We successfully completed the extreme low-temperature test of the H3 rocket!
The test took place from March 17 thru March 18 at Tanegashima Space Center, following a month-long rocket assembly. When mounted on the mobile launcher, ML5, the H3 rocket stood 64 meter tall from the ground.

03/17/2021

Return From Ryugu: The Hayabusa2 Leader on His Mission’s Success

Visit Planetary Radio's website to listen to Hayabusa2 Project Manager Yuichi Tsuda talk about the capsule's fascinating 5 billion Km travel to and back from asteroid Ryugu! (Yes, that's 5 billion with a "B"!)

https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/yuichi-tsuda-hayabusa2

Hayabusa2 project manager Yuichi Tsuda shares the exciting success of Japan’s sample return mission ti asteroid Ryugu.

03/17/2021

It's been almost since JAXA and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) signed an MOU for collaboration. On 3/11, JAXA President YAMAKAWA and ISRO Chairman Sivan met online and discussed progress being made on various projects, including those related to lunar surface exploration and agricultural use of satellite data.

It's been almost since JAXA and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) signed an MOU for collaboration. On 3/11, JAXA President YAMAKAWA and ISRO Chairman Sivan met online and discussed progress being made on various projects, including those related to lunar surface exploration and agricultural use of satellite data.