In Search of Origins

How has Earth become a planet filled with life?
What kind of information is necessary to predict the future of the planet Earth?
What kind of laws of physics control the evolution of the universe since its birth?
To deepen our understanding of the solar system and the universe, research and development of spacecraft that enables scientific observation and exploration are essential. JAXA plays a pioneering role in expanding the areas of human exploration through an unbroken line of these activities.

The operation status of satellites/probes is basically categorized into the following phases: “Under development”, “In Operation”, “Latter Phase In Operation” ,“Post operation” and “Transferred”.

  • In Operation: Operation during regular mission period (including initial operation period after launch)
  • Latter Phase In Operation: Operation following the completion of the regular mission period operation. When completing the regular mission period operation, the condition of the satellite/probe is checked to decide whether a latter phase in operation is required.

Major Research and Development

GREAT2, GRound station for deep space Exploration And Telecommunication phase 2

This is a ground station built in Saku City,Nagano Prefecture for the purpose of enabling telecommunications with deep space explorationprobes.

Scientific Ballooning

A huge balloon is a flying object for scientific observations and space engineering tests in the same manner as satellites and sounding rockets.

Research on Lunar, Planetary Science

Studying planets and the moon leads us to understand the birth of the Earth and the origin of the solar system and life. Observing planets and the moon through various methods and analyzing acquired data from every angle are imperative for these studies.

Research on Space Plasma, X-Rays, and Infrared-Rays

Capturing phenomena in the solar system and planets beyond it and their surrounding area provides us with clues to solve the mysteries of space. Therefore, it is essential to acquire as much information as possible by seizing various radio waves including X-rays, infrared lights and plasmas in addition to visible lights.

Research on Space Technologies

JAXA promotes space engineering research to stably perform space exploration activities “further”, “with more flexibility” and “in wider directions.”

Astronomical Observation Satellites

In Operation

X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM)

XRISM is a new X-ray astronomical satellite which observes plasma in stars and galaxies. With a new generation of X-ray imaging spectroscopy technologies, XRISM will resolve mysteries regarding the formation of the universe.

Latter Phase In Operation

Solar Physics Satellite "HINODE" (SOLAR-B)

The HINODE, an observatory satellite to study the impact of the Sun on the Earth High expectations for new solar observations through international efforts by the United Kingdom, the United States and Japan

INnovative-technology Demonstration Experiment "REIMEI" (INDEX)

Cutting-edge small satellite developed in-house

Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace "ARASE" (ERG)

To elucidate high-energy electrons that repeat their generation and disappearance.

Under Development

High-sensitivity Solar Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Satellite (SOLAR-C)

This satellite is designed to elucidate how the Sun's high-temperature plasma is created and how it affects the Earth and planets by precise spectroscopic observation of ultraviolet radiations emitted from the Sun through the onboard telescope with unprecedented high sensitivity. Japan is leading the development of the mission in cooperation with the United States and European countries.

Operation Completed

Aurora Observation Satellite "AKEBONO" (EXOS-D)

An aurora observation satellite that observed the physical phenomena taking place in geospace while collecting detailed data in collaboration with the ground stations

X-ray Astronomy Satellite "Hitomi" (ASTRO-H)

New space image to be elucidated by X-ray astronomy

X-ray Astronomy Satellite "Suzaku" (ASTRO-EII)

Suzaku to probe into black holes and galaxy clusters to study their structure and evolution.

Infrared Imaging Satellite "AKARI" (ASTRO-F)

AKARI: Seeking an understanding of the formation and evolution of galaxies

Lunar and Planetary Exploration Spacecraft

In Operation

Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM)

Small probe challenges an accurate lunar landing

Mercury Exploration Mission "BepiColombo"

BepiColombo will elucidate the mysteries of Mercury

Latter Phase In Operation

Asteroid Explorer "Hayabusa2"

Hayabusa2 to clarify the origin and evolution of the solar system as well as life matter

Small Solar Power Sail Demonstrator "IKAROS"

Space yacht accelerated by radiation of the Sun

Venus Climate Orbiter "AKATSUKI" (PLANET-C)

AKASTUKI will elucidate the mysteries of Venus, Earth’s twin sister.
Japan will initiate the beginning of a new era of Venusian exploration.

Under Development

Martian Moons Exploration (MMX)

Mission that discloses the origin and evolution of the red planet

Deep Space Exploration Technology Demonstrator (DESTINY⁺)

DESTINY⁺ is a deep space mission that unites engineering and science objectives.

Hera-Mission to a binary asteroid system for planetary defense and science

Along with NASA’s DART (Double-Asteroid Redirection Test) mission, the technology required for planetary defense will be demonstrated for the first time in history, in addition to investigating planetary formation and evolution processes.

Past Projects

Missions Launch date~End of mission
GEOTAIL 1992/07/24~2022/11/28
HITOMI(ASTRO-H) 2016/02/17~2016/04/28
KAGUYA(SELENE) 2007/09/14~2009/06/11
AKARI(ASTRO-F) 2006/02/22~2011/11/24
ASTRO-G *The decision was made to cancel.
SUZAKU 2005/07/10~2015/June
LUNAR-A *The decision was made to cancel.
HAYABUSA(MUSES-C) 2003/05/09~2010/06/13
ASTRO-E 2000/02/10(*The M-V-4 failed to put ASTRO-E satellite into orbit.)
NOZOMI(PLANET-B) 1998/07/04~2003/12/09
HALCA(MUSES-B) 1997/02/12~2005/11/30
SFU 1995/03/18~1996/01/13
EXPRESS 1995/01/15~1995/01/15
ASCA(ASTRO-D) 1993/02/20~2001/03/02
YOKOH(SOLAR-A) 1991/08/30~2004/04/23
HITEN(MUSES-A) 1990/01/24~1993/04/11
AKEBONO(EXOS-D) 1989/02/22~2015/04/23
GINGA(ASTRO-C) 1987/02/05~1991/11/01
SAKIGAKE(MS-T5) 1985/01/08~1999/01/07
SUISEI(PLANET-A) 1985/08/19~1992/08/20
OHZORA(EXOS-C) 1984/02/14~1988/12/26
TENMA(ASTRO-B) 1983/02/20~1988/12/17
HINOTORI(ASTRO-A) 1981/02/21~1991/07/11
TANSEI-4(MS-T4) 1980/02/17~1983/05/13
HAKUCHO(CORSA-b) 1979/02/21~1985/04/15
KYOKKO(EXOS-A) 1978/02/04~1992/08/02
JIKIKEN(EXOS-B) 1978/09/16~1985
TANSEI-3(MS-T3) 1977/02/19~1977/03/08
TAIYO(SRATS) 1975/02/24~1980/06/29
TANSEI-2(MS-T2) 1974/02/16~1983/01/23
DENPA(REXS) 1972/08/19~1972/08/22
TANSEI(MS-T1) 1971/02/16~1971/02/23
SHINSEI 1971/09/28~1973/June
OHSUMI 1970/02/11~1970/02/12

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