The H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 7 (H-IIA F7) was open to the press on Dec. 21 at the Tobishima Plant of the Nagoya Aerospace Systems Works of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. in Aichi Prefecture. The H-IIA F7 is scheduled to be launched in the winter launch season of Fiscal Year 2004 with the Multi-functional Transport Satellite 1 Replacement (MTSAT-1R) onboard.

JAXA is inviting you to compose "space music". The theme of the composition is "To sky, to space". There is no restriction on age, nationality, or if you are professional or amateur. You can be an individual or a band/group. Apart from recording media, Internet applications are also acceptable (sorry, there is file size limit.) The winner of the grand prize will receive an additional prize of an invitation to watch a live launch of a rocket at the Tanegashima Space Center.

On December 16, the "Symposium for Space Utilization" was held at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel in front of Shinagawa Station in Tokyo. Under the theme of "Space, a place not only to observe but also to utilize", three keynote speakers including Mr. Takafumi Horie, President & CEO of livedoor Co., Ltd. made speech in the morning session. Participants enjoyed many events such as splinter meetings and panel discussions in the afternoon.

On Dec. 12 (Sun), the third JAXA town meeting was held at Japan Women's University Mejiro Campus in Tokyo. About 130 participants and Mr. Higuchi, JAXA Executive Director, Dr. Matogawa, Associate Executive Director, and Astronaut Doi, who attended through a TV conference system, had a heated debate on two themes namely "why mankind is heading into space" and "what Japan can contribute through space development."

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) reported to the Space Activities Commission (SAC) today of the resumption to flight activities of H-IIA Launch Vehicle to prepare for the launch of the Multi-functional Transport Satellite 1 Replacement (MTSAT-1R) in the winter launch season of the fiscal year 2004. SAC approved JAXA's decision.

JAXA is recruiting participants for the Space Exploration Educators Conference (a workshop for utilizing space in education) which will be held in February 2005 in Huston, America. The conference is for educators to study and exchange opinions on teaching methods using space development as an educational theme.

The Institute of Space Technology and Aeronautics' second research result presentation was held at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Tokyo. The program was very colorful with not only aerospace research presentations but also a special lecture by Mr. Fujio Nakano and a demonstration of research achievement. We would like to extend our appreciation to all participants including the vast number of researchers and engineers.

Big events sponsored by JAXA will be held in succession in early December. On Dec. 1 (Wed), the Institute of Space Technology and Aeronautics (ISTA) of JAXA is holding an open research presentation session and has invited Mr. Fujio Nakano, a non-fiction writer, as a special lecturer at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.

On the 12th (Sun), a town meeting will be hosted by Dr. Yasunori Matogawa, Associate Executive Director of JAXA, at the Mejiro campus of Japan Women's University (Tokyo).

On the 16th, a space usage symposium will be held at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel (Tokyo) attended by Mr. Takafumi Horie, President & CEO of Livedoor, and other speakers.

All events are free of charge. Please join us.

Dec. 1: The second ISTA research result presentation (No prior registration required)
Dec. 12: Town meeting at Japan Women's University (Registration required by postcard)
Dec. 16: Symposium for future space usage 2004, "Space, utilizing the sky above us"
(Prior registration required through the website)

A lecture by Astronaut Wakata and a panel discussion will be held on the unusual subject of space art. In addition to his reports titled "Molding experiment on liquefied materials in microgravity" and "Linus's security blanket in a microgravity environment," Astronaut Wakata tried a game of "go", the traditional "Sumo" warm-up exercise "Shiko," or stamping his feet alternately, and calligraphy in Space.

The session starts at 1:00 pm on Nov. 22 (Mon) at Kyoto City University of Art.

Admission is free.

The new President of JAXA, Keiji Tachikawa, held a press conference on Npv.15 at the JAXA Tokyo office (in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) to express his determination to create new business models utilizing space while succeeding in the course that was established by former President Yamanouchi.

On Nov. 14 (Sunday), the Third Science Frontier Tsukuba will be held at the University of Tsukuba. Scheduled events include lectures by prominent guest speakers including Astronaut Chiaki Mukai, and Dr. Bruce Murray (the former director of JPL), and a panel discussion attended by Dr. Leo Ezaki (the president of the Science Academy of Tsukuba) etc. Some other interesting events will be held at the same time including a poster exhibition for frontline activities of research institutions that are gathered in the Tsukuba area. All those interested are welcome to join the events.

The "Space Education Forum", a panel discussion by middle school students, high school students and educators, was successfully completed at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Tokyo) connecting the museum and the Australia National Science and Technology Center (Canberra, Australia) via satellite. It was achieved thanks to the
discussion results at the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-11), and was held as the first event of activities decided at a working group session of Space Education and Awareness.

The Space Science and Technology Conference is being held at the Phoenix Plaza in Fukui Prefecture between Nov. 4 and 6. The conference is one of the largest scale academic symposia for space technology, and about 350 presentations by scientists and engineers are scheduled. Special lectures open to the public are also scheduled on Saturday.

The 11th Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-11) is being held in Canberra, Australia, between Nov. 3 and 5. The forum is an opportunity for space agencies in the Asia-Pacific region to get together. JAXA is participating in the event as one of the sponsors to promote communication and cooperation with other regional agencies under the theme of “Toward Expansion of the Space Community”.

The names of new character mascots for the JAXA Kids site were selected to mark the page celebrating its one year anniversary. The left one is named "Tritle", and the right one is "Kiibo". We would like to thank Mr. Takeshi Yokoi (a graduate school student in Kanagawa) for the names, and also extend our appreciation to all other applicants.

Please support JAXA Kids!

The final evaluation of the 12th Satellite Design Contest was held on November 24 at the Metropolitan College of Aeronautical Engineering in Tokyo, and [Polarized X rays observation satellite] of Tokyo Institute of Technology was selected as the winner.

The final evaluation for the 12th Satellite Design Contest will be held at the Metropolitan College of Aeronautical Engineering in Tokyo. Several unique concepts are competing for the top prize. The winner of the first contest, the Whale Ecology Observation Satellite, is already in orbit, and some other hand-made satellites made by university students are also in space. We can expect not only unique ideas but also enthusiasm from students as they design and build satellites for the contest.

If commercial products can substitute space qualified parts that are exclusive and expensive, we can achieve drastic cost cutting in some cases. This workshop, which aims to establish smooth complementary relations between commercial and space-qualified parts goods, will be held on Oct. 21 and 22 at the Tsukuba Space Center and is sponsored by the JAXA Institute of Space Technology and Aeronautics.

On Oct. 14, the Soyuz rocket launch from the Baikonur Space Base in Kazakhustan was broadcast live at JAXA i in Marunouchi, Tokyo. We also plan to carry out a live broadcast of the docking of the Soyuz spacecraft with the International Space Station, which is scheduled for 1:25 p.m. on Oct. 16 (Sat).

The award ceremony for the essay and drawing contest for elementary and junior high school students in Japan was held on Oct. 10, the last day of the Japan Aerospace 2004 exhibition, at the Pacifico Yokohama, the site of the exhibition. The contest, co-sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, JAXA and other organizations, is 12 years old this year. Some 24 award winners who attended the ceremony despite a strong typhoon received their certificate and mementos.

The International Astronautical Congress (IAC2004) is being held in Vancouver, Canada, between Oct. 4 and 8, and the Japan International Aerospace Exhibition 2004 (JA2004) is open from October 6 to 10 at the Pacifico Yokohama, Japan. JAXA will participate in both these events to exhibit Japanese technology.

(The 9th and 10th are designated as "Public Days" for JA2004, and you can visit the exhibition.)

[Left] JAXA booth at IAC2004
[Right] "RVT-9", a special display at JA2004

The open house events for JAXA facilities in the fall of 2004 have just been completed. The final event at the Tsukuba Space Center on Oct. 2 was a success with 4,581 visitors. The day passed quickly with visitors enjoying the plastic bottle rocket launch project, a model rocket exhibition, and quiz show.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all visitors to our facilities. We will continue to provide opportunities to allow people to experience space through our usual exhibitions until our next open house event in next Spring.

On October 2 (Saturday), a special open house event will be held at the Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC). We are preparing many events featuring TKSC including:

A class for making a plastic bottle rocket. Exhibitions of real satellites. A commemorative photo-taking session in a space suit. and more.

A nationwide model rocket competition will also be held.

Many events require your participation, so please join us. For more details, please check "VISIT JAXA"

The JAXA town meeting was held in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, on Sunday, Sep. 19, after the first one in Miyazaki in May. The purpose of these JAXA town meetings are to conduct face-to-face opinion exchanges between citizens and space development specialists. Astronaut Takao Doi and Associate Executive Director Yasunori Matogawa of JAXA hosted and facilitated active discussion with participants on space development and public relations.

JAXA is grateful that over 15,000 people have visited JAXA i over the first four days. JAXA i is located in Marunouchi Oazo, the new business and shopping complex building at the Marunouchi North Exit of Tokyo Station. Oazo has become a popular venue in the Tokyo station area. JAXA i is open seven days a week including weekends and national holidays and is exhibiting a flight rocket engine (LE-5), a space suit and space technologies used in our daily lives, and shows videos. Please drop by and experience the world of space.

The renewed JAXA i opened at Marunouchi OAZO at the Marunouchi North Exit of Tokyo Station on Sep. 14. On the 13th, a preview was held and was attended by JAXA astronauts and the vice president.

This weekend, events will be held at our facilities in the town of Hatoyama (Saitama), and in the cities of Mitaka (Tokyo), and Kakuda (Miyagi). JAXA employees are eagerly awaiting your visit and are preparing exhibitions and guest-participating type attractions.

Please come and join the fun!
Photo: Commemorative photo in front of the Space Shuttle??

On September 7 and 8, a workshop will be held at Sabo Hall in Tokyo to expand the utilization plans for Kibo, the Japanese Experiment Module for the International Space Station.
We will have prominent guest speakers including Astronaut Donald Pettit, who stayed in space for five months as a member of the Expedition 6 crew, Mr. Norio Kaifu, the president of the National Astronomical Observatory, and Mr. Shinya Matsuura, a nonfiction writer.
The panel will discuss the future utilization of the space environment.

JAXA held an open house event for the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS, at the Sagamihara Campus in Kanagawa) on the 28th (Sat), and at the Katsuura Tracking and Communication Station on the 29th (Sun). Despite the rainy weather, we were pleased to have many visitors. Thank you very much for coming.
We plan to have an open house event for other facilities around Space Day on September 12.
Please join us!

JAXA Astronaut Souichi Noguchi reported his preparation status for his upcoming mission -- the next Space Shuttle flight (STS-114) -- at the Space Activities Commission (SAC) meeting held on Aug. 27. The flight, which aims to verify the system's safety, is scheduled no earlier than March next year. Astronaut Noguchi is expected to play an important role during the mission.

The annual summer open house event at JAXA's Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) will be held on Aug. 28.

Various events are scheduled including a lecture by Astronaut Noguchi, plastic rocket launches, and a mini-mini space school. Exhibitions prepared by ISAS staff are also waiting for you.

Please come and join us.

An event called "Space missions created by students" is currently being held at the Sagamihara Campus of the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science. During the event, high school students have cultivated friendships by lodging together at the campus as they create space missions. Despite the hot summer weather, 23 students are working hard to make their own space missions with the help of graduate school students.

The second annual International Space Station (ISS) educational workshop was held at Chiba University on August 8 (Sunday). The workshop opened with a lecture on science education by Professor Haruo Saji, the president of Suzuka Junior College, and was followed by 13 practical activities using the ISS for science education. A question and answer session followed. JAXA plans to keep supporting such educational activities.

A science camp was held between July 26 and 28 at the Tsukuba Space Center. High school and vocational school students learnt about science and technology through experiments and lectures. Some 30 students took part in courses on space development, satellites, rockets, and moon and planet probes. They experienced many field experiments such as making a model rocket and launching it. Through the hands-on experience of space development, the students became closer to understanding the huge world of space.

JAXA is recruiting talented researchers for 52 themes, such as observation satellites, scientific satellites, plant probes, next generation engines, and flight systems. Those who have doctoral degrees(including doctoral hopefuls) and are younger than 35 are eligible. Please send us a summary of your thesis or research plan by conventional mail. The due date for applications is July 31. Some 25 researchers are scheduled to be hired.

The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite, launched in 1997, has provided a large volume of valued observation data on water circulation in the atmosphere and hydrosphere over a much longer period than its scheduled mission life of three years. The mission was very successful, both operationally and scientifically. The satellite's operation is scheduled to be terminated soon.

Image: TRMM

On July 7, 2004 (Japan Standard Time), JAXA performed a static firing test on the solid rocket booster (SRB-A) of the H-IIA at the solid rocket booster firing test stand at the Takesaki range at the Tanegashima Space Center. The tested booster with a conical- type nozzle was the same as the one used for H-IIA Flight #6, whose launch failed on November 29, 2003. The object of the test was to carry out quantitative evaluation of local erosion.
At around 51 seconds after firing commenced, combustion gas leaked from the motor nozzle area. JAXA found a ruptured hole in the motor nozzle part after a post-test visual inspection. We will further investigate the cause.

Prizes will be announced during the annual award ceremony on September 12. Science museums all over Japan are accepting your essays and drawings until July 16.

Photo: The drawing awarded the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Prize in 2003

Recycling and reuse of materials, especially the "technology of making organic waste a reusable resource", are imperative when people stay in space for a long period of time. JAXA has licensed a private company to utilize this technology. It enables us to turn decomposed kitchen and body waste into water and carbon dioxide without generating harmful materials. This technology contributes to a recycling society.

Photo: A model of a continuous recycling machine for organic waste

Advanced technology is useful not only for the future but also for reinforcing current technological bases. JAXA's Institute of Space Technology and Aeronautics held a research report meeting to present results of Japanese fiscal year 2003 at Minato-ku Tokyo. The goal was mainly aimed at improving the reliability of space vehicle technology.

In addition to three space transportation themes about launch vehicle engines and six reports about satellites including design concept, thruster, and parts, Mr. Shinichi Abe of Toyota Motor Corporation, who took part in the development project of a hybrid car called "Prius", gave a special lecture. Questions and answers were actively exchanged after the lecture as "Prius" is known as a successful example of development and bringing various advanced technologies into one product in a short period of time.

Photo: The meeting

Astronauts Satosi Furukawa, Akihiko Hoshide and Naoko Yamazaki underwent Soyuz training in Russia until May this year. After successfully completing their training, they held a press conference at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Tokyo to report that they were certified as flight engineers. Using video footage, they explained about their training and expressed their ambitions for the next training stage to become mission specialists at NASA.

Photo: The astronauts at the news conference.

The 24th International Symposium on Space Technology and Science (ISTS) is being held at Phoenix Seagaia in Miyazaki, Japan (until June 6, Sunday.) The ISTS is one of the important opportunities for researchers of space related companies, universities, and JAXA to present their study results. This year, many reports on planet probes and space transportation technologies are being presented. An exhibition for the general public is also held there. If you have the chance, please visit it.

Image: At the exhibition

The first "JAXA Town Meeting" was successfully held in Miyazaki Prefecture on May 29 with Astronaut Takao Doi participating. JAXA would like to express our sincere appreciation to all participants and parties concerned. JAXA plans to have more town meetings in other areas to exchange opinions with you about space activities.

Image: Astronaut Takao Doi and Professor Yasunori Matogawa

JAXA checked the orbit of Hayabusa, which carried out an Earth swing-by, and found that it is accurately flying in its intended orbit with an error of only 1 km. Hayabusa is heading for the asteroid ITOKAWA with all onboard equipment working normally.

Image: A photo of Japan just before Hayabusa came closest to the Earth.

On May 19, Hayabusa placed itself in a new elliptical orbit toward the asteroid "ITOKAWA" after completing an Earth swing-by. In the first technological verification in the world, we successfully performed a combination of acceleration by the ion engines and the Earth swing-by.

Image: The Earth receding into the distance (approx. 95,000km)

Hayabusa, which is coming closer to the earth for a swing-by, successfully acquired images of the earth and the moon on the 16th and the 17th.
This earth image was acquired at 3:30 a.m. on May 17 (Japan Standard Time, JST). The distance between Hayabusa and the earth at that time was about 910,000 km.

JAXA opened its facilities to the public on April 24 (Sat) and 25 (Sun), and we were very happy that so many people visited us. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone.