We would like to express our sincere apologies again for any inconvenience caused to local residents, local communities, and other affected parties by the explosion and fire that occurred during the second-stage motor ground firing test of the Epsilon S Launch Vehicle conducted at the Noshiro Rocket Testing Center on July 14.

We are currently conducting a meticulous investigation of the measurement data obtained without making any prejudgments to determine the cause of the accident. We are also in the process of removing hazardous parts of the damaged test site facilities to prevent secondary damage.

A progress report on the investigation into the cause of the accident will be presented at the July 31 meeting of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s Investigation and Safety Subcommittee.

In addition, we are continuing our investigation into the cause of the incident involving the first H3 Launch Vehicle. The latest findings of that investigation will also be presented at the Investigation and Safety Subcommittee meeting on July 31.

Firing tests were conducted on June 1 and June 11 at the Tanegashima Space Center to obtain data for selecting the optimal specifications for the LE-9 Type 1A engine to be used in the second and subsequent launches of the H3 Launch Vehicle. These tests were completed as planned and in-depth evaluation of the data acquired is now underway.

Turbopump unit tests were carried out on July 13, July 19, and July 25 at the Kakuda Space Center to obtain data for selecting the optimal specifications for the Type 2 engine to which the permanent countermeasure specifications will be applied. The tests were completed as planned and in-depth evaluation of the data acquired is now underway.

As reported in our press release of July 27, an international agreement has been reached on preparations for launching the Crew Dragon spacecraft (Crew-7) with Astronaut FURUKAWA Satoshi aboard at 19:56 on Thursday, August 17 (JST).

Embarking on his second flight, FURUKAWA is expected to make full use of his extensive experience and accomplishments, particularly those from his previous flight, in cooperating with crew members from other countries to ensure the successful execution of the Crew-7 boarding and their long-duration ISS mission.

During FURUKAWA’s extended ISS mission, JAXA will be utilizing the experimental technologies that have been developed inside and outside the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" to prepare for the construction of a new life science research platform, to demonstrate next-generation water reclamation technology in preparation for the start of Gateway operations, and to conduct space fire safety technology research as well as other technical demonstrations and research that will contribute to international space exploration, all in the pursuit of finding uses for “Kibo” that will create new value.

In addition, JAXA will be hosting the Kibo Robot Programming Challenge, in which 1,685 people from 30 countries/regions have applied to participate, and Asian Tri Zero G, a simple space experiment for young people, to help achieve SDGs pertaining to human resource development and to promote international contributions through “Kibo”.

The long-duration stays of FURUKAWA and other Japanese astronauts aboard the ISS symbolize the strong ties between Japan and its international partners, and we will be striving to ensure that Japan continues making further contributions and playing active roles in manned space development and international space exploration as well as building international cooperative relationships through the activities of these Japanese astronauts.

●JAXA and GSI provide orbit information for International GNSS Service

As reported in a June 30 press release and at a press conference hosted that same day by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI), JAXA and GSI have established a system for calculating precise orbit information for GPS and other positioning satellites.　This orbit information is calculated using an orbit analysis software package called "MADOCA," developed domestically by JAXA and continually improved over many long years. With the International GNSS Service (IGS), an international organization for satellite positioning, having recognized our efforts, we have become the first Japanese organizations to provide orbit information to the IGS on a regular basis.

The orbit information we supply will be used to calculate orbit information for the IGS, currently regarded as the most accurate satellite positioning service available. Heretofore dependent on overseas organizations, Japan should now be able to maintain and manage its positioning standards more autonomously and reliably, and is expected to pursue further geodetic and positioning research.

We intend to improve the accuracy of the precise satellite ephemeris (inclusive of Japan’s “Michibiki” positioning satellite) and the public access environment, thereby steadily developing and updating positioning information infrastructure in an era of high-precision positioning.

●Director of Earth Observation Research Center becomes first Japanese recipient in NASA Administrators Agency Honor Awards

Dr. OKI Riko, Director of the Earth Observation Research Center, Space Technology Directorate I, was presented with the Exceptional Public Service Medal by the Administrator of NASA at the NASA Administrator's Agency Honor Awards ceremony held on July 11, 2023 at the US Embassy in Tokyo.

The Exceptional Public Service Medal is awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to NASA's missions. Dr. Oki has long played a leading role in Japan-US cooperative efforts to observe precipitation by satellite, serving as a researcher for the joint Japan-US Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and, following the launch of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission, engaging in research on precipitation observation as a program scientist on Japan’s TRMM and GPM teams. JAXA's Precipitation Radar onboard the TRMM satellite and the GPM Core Observatory Satellite can observe the three-dimensional structure of rainfall with high precision, enabling the production of the Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP), a satellite-based global precipitation map that estimates precipitation conditions worldwide in near-real time. This GSMaP is utilized by countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region and around the world. The high acclaim in which Dr. OKI’s accomplishments in this area are held led to her becoming the first Japanese recipient of this prestigious award. Although this award recognizes individuals, it is an indication by top NASA officials that Earth science is a symbol of Japan-US cooperation in space.

JAXA is planning a Precipitation Measurement Mission (PMM) satellite with an eye to participating in the Atmosphere Observing System (AOS), a next-generation Earth observation mission planned by NASA, and JAXA has initiated a project to ensure steady progress in the development of this satellite. Director OKI is also involved in the startup of this PMM project. Going forward, JAXA will be continuously and progressively promoting Japan-US cooperation in Earth observation.

Space Exploration Innovation Hub Center has been collaborating with numerous parties in both the space field and in business sectors and industries heretofore unconnected with the space field, and it has been making requests for joint research proposals (RFP) since 2015 based on the concept of “dual utilization” that focuses on both developing technologies for future exploration of the Moon and Mars and enabling private companies to create businesses on the ground and in space. With an eye on trends such as the Artemis Project, we are prioritizing the development of technologies to support astronauts' lunar surface activities and scientific exploration on the Moon, as well as technologies in a wide range of other areas.

Against this background, the 10th RFP was held from March to May this year, and it was announced that 12 proposals had been selected. These most recent selections were research proposals for technologies expected to contribute to future international space exploration, such as (rocket engine-related) propulsion systems for takeoff and landing on gravitational bodies, elemental technologies for sample return, and other technologies that are expected to be demonstrated at an early date.

Joint research proposals are solicited twice every fiscal year, and we are currently preparing for the 11th RFPs. We hope to continue collaborating with numerous parties as we strive to contribute not only to international space exploration but also to Japanese industry by continuing to expand our programs for co-creation with private companies, universities and institutions outside the boundaries of the space field.

August should see the launches of both the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) and the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) in addition to astronaut FURUKAWA Satoshi’s departure to the International Space Station. Launch preparations are currently underway at Tanegashima Island for both XRISM and SLIM. Project members and all other relevant parties will continue gearing up for these missions. JAXA is also working with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., and other partners in preparation for overseeing launch site safety operations for H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 47, carrying XRISM and SLIM onboard, with a preliminary launch date of August 26.