JAXA Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

	To learn more about space through astronomical research and to clarify the mystery of the birth of space. One of the chief tasks of space science is to observe distant galaxies and stars. Learning about outer space could prove to be the key to finding out how space, stars and planets were born. Another top priority is unraveling the mysteries at the extreme limits of outer space, such as black holes and ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. To study these space mysteries through astronomical observation, we need to use not just telescopes on Earth, but also X-rays and infrared rays. Because Earth’s atmosphere absorbs these rays, we need perform these observations from outer space. The Space Science Department has launched an astronomical satellite equipped with the following observational equipment to catch X-rays, infrared rays, and radio waves:

To learn more about space through astronomical research and to clarify the mystery of the birth of space.

One of the chief tasks of space science is to observe distant galaxies and stars. Learning about outer space could prove to be the key to finding out how space, stars and planets were born. Another top priority is unraveling the mysteries at the extreme limits of outer space, such as black holes and ultra-high-energy cosmic rays.
To study these space mysteries through astronomical observation, we need to use not just telescopes on Earth, but also X-rays and infrared rays. Because Earth’s atmosphere absorbs these rays, we need perform these observations from outer space.
The Space Science Department has launched an astronomical satellite equipped with the following observational equipment to catch X-rays, infrared rays, and radio waves:

Atmosphere and Plasma

Plasma around the Earth is closely related to the solar wind and the Earth’s magnetic field. We sometimes encounter them as Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and magnetic storms. What kind of relationship does the wind from the Sun have with the magnetic field of the Earth? How do phenomena such as the Northern Lights and magnetic storms emerge? Studying the relationship between plasma and the magnetic field can give us important information about the environment of the Earth, our home.

Plasma around the Earth is closely related to the solar wind and the Earth’s magnetic field. We sometimes encounter them as Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and magnetic storms.
What kind of relationship does the wind from the Sun have with the magnetic field of the Earth? How do phenomena such as the Northern Lights and magnetic storms emerge? Studying the relationship between plasma and the magnetic field can give us important information about the environment of the Earth, our home.

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

Astronomical Observation Satellites

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.
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" (SOLAR-B) is the successor to the orbiting solar observatory YOHKOH (SOLAR-A) to explore the mysteries and mechanisms of the solar corona phenomena and other mechanisms.
Latter Phase In Operation	Spectroscopic Planet Observatory for Recognition of Interaction of Atmosphere "HISAKI" (SPRINT-A)	The “HISAKI” (SPRINT-A) observes Jupiter’s Io plasma torus and interaction of the strong solar wind on the atmosphere of an Earth-type planet by the extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) imaging spectrometer.
Operation Complete	X-ray Astronomy Satellite "Hitomi" (ASTRO-H)	The "Hitomi" (ASTRO-H) is the sixth X-ray observation satellite that explores the extreme universe that is abundant with high energy phenomena around black holes and supernova explosions, and observes a cluster of galaxies filled with high-temperature plasma.
	X-ray Astronomy Satellite "Suzaku"(ASTRO-EII)	The "SUZAKU" (ASTRO-EII), the fifth in a series of Japanese X-ray astronomy satellites, is operation through international cooperation between the United States and Japan to observe high-energy processes in the Universe.
	Infrared Imaging Satellite "AKARI"(ASTRO-F)	The "AKARI" (ASTRO-F) is an infrared-ray astronomical satellite that aims to understand how galaxies were formed and evolved into what we see now.

Earth Observation Satellites

Latter Phase In Operation	Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace "ERG"	The "ERG" aims at elucidating highly charged electrons that generate and vanish repeatedly along with space storms in the geospace, the region of outer space near the Earth.
Operation Complete	Magnetosheric Observation Satellite (GEOTAIL)	The "GEOTAIL" is a satellite to study the structure and dynamics of Earth's magnetotail. It is a collaborative project between Japan and the United States.
Operation Complete	Aurora Observation Satellite "Akebono"(EXOS-D)	The "AKEBONO" (EXOS-D) is an aurora observation satellite that investigates the magnetospheric phenomena associated with the acceleration process of aurora particles, and the flow and momentum of energy from the Sun through geospace.