February 07 updated

By introducing various innovative ideas, the difficult-to-develop small hybrid-type rocket is successfully developed. The hybrid rocket breaks the limits of conventional solid-propellant small rockets and can respond to a variety of needs of weather observation, microgravity experiments, etc., with low launch costs.

(ISAS News: December 2004 issue)

February 07 updated

This article introduces approaches to the mystery of element synthesis by observing X-rays emitted from high-temperature gases in galaxy clusters. Some new facts are revealed by this research. Further progress in research is expected from the X-ray astronomical satellite ASTRO-EII.

(ISAS News: November 2004 issue)

January 20 updated

Batteries are indispensable for spacecrafts and manned space activities. This article introduces JAXA’s approach to closed-type, compact, lightweight fuel cells for space, as well as electricity-storage systems other than ordinary cells, while outlining the history and features of various types of cells.

(ISAS News: October 2004 issue)

March 23 updated

Living things have evolved by responding to and adapting their own systems to the earth’s gravity. By understanding the cytoskeleton and its molecular chaperone, we seek the mechanical and dynamic mechanisms used to sustain life systems against stress.

(ISAS News: September 2004 issue)

November 18 updated

While the scale of scientific satellites is becoming larger, the need for small, low-cost small satellites is increasing. This article outlines the high-performance, small scientific satellite INDEX, now under development, that will carry advanced instruments including commercial products. It also introduces a new development scheme and approach, such as the participation of venture companies.

(ISAS News: August 2004 issue)

October 18 updated

The Moon, the celestial body nearest to the Earth, is a treasury of solar-system fossils and the key to elucidate the mysteries of solid planets. The lunar explorer, SELENE, will orbit the Moon to perform various research missions and, further, to collect valuable data required for future activities on the Moon such as the site of a lunar base, etc.

(ISAS News: July 2004 issue)

August 31 updated

“Faster, Better, Cheaper” is the slogan advocated by NASA in the U.S.A. Is it possible to fulfill these three goals at a time in space development? JAXA is pursuing “standardization” and “digitization” as the keys to achieve the goals.

(ISAS News: June 2004 issue)

July 21 updated

Minor-body exploration, such as the asteroid sample-return mission, is the key to revealing the birth and evolution of our solar system. This article introduces the roles, meanings, themes and visions of future exploration missions in the post-HAYABUSA era.

(ISAS News: May 2004 issue)

June 21 updated

A variety of research carried out under microgravity conditions brings new materials to enrich our daily lives and further drives development of science. Here we introduce some of JAXA's current research and the results obtained so far.

(ISAS News: April 2004 issue)

May 11 updated

HAYABUSA is flying smoothly in search of asteroids, its long voyage supported by an advanced, highly fuel-efficient ion engine. New stronger ion engines are under development to make even longer epic space voyages possible.

(ISAS News: March 2004 issue)

April 06 updated

The universe is filled with strong X-ray radiation
- "the X-ray background". Where does it come from?
How is it related to the formation of supermassive black holes? For 40 years, since the birth of X-ray astronomy, the mystery has been unraveled.

(ISAS News: February 2004 issue)