JAXA Astronaut Naoko Yamazaki has been selected as a crew member of the Space Shuttle "Atlantis" (STS-131/19A mission).

She is scheduled to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) for about 14 days on the Atlantis in February 2010, or later.

Following this announcement, three JAXA astronauts are now scheduled to go to space. They are Astronaut Koichi Wakata, who is going to stay on the ISS for about three months by STS-119 mission, Astronaut Soichi Noguchi, who will be on the ISS for about six months after flying on the Soyuz (his backup is Astronaut Satoshi Furukawa,) and Astronaut Naoko Yamazaki on the STS 131 mission.

The launch day and lift-off time of the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 15 (H-IIA F15) was announced to be between 12:54 and 1:16 p.m. on January 21, 2009. The main payload of the H-IIA F15 is the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite "IBUKI" (GOSAT.)
At the same time, the "IBUKI Launch Special Site" was also opened. We will provide updated information on the IBUKI there. Please enjoy it.
The IBUKI was open to the press on Nov. 4 at the Tsukuba Space Center. It will be transported to the Tanegashima Space Center for final launch preparations.

"IBUKI" was selected as the nickname of the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT), which is scheduled to be launched this Japan fiscal year, after 12,683 applications were received from the general public.

IBUKI means "breath" or "puff", and as the GOSAT is a satellite to observe carbon dioxide, which is the Earth's puff (breath), the name reflects its mission. It also is hoped that the IBUKI will provide people with "vigor" and a "bright future."

The IBUKI is going to be transported to the Tanegashima Space Center soon for launch preparations.

The lunar explorer "KAGUYA" acquired images of "the full earth rise and set" through its onboard high definition camera on September 30 (Japan Standard Time) following its full earth image shooting in April. Full earth images can be taken only twice a year when the Moon, Earth, Sun and KAGUYA perfectly line up.

You can also enjoy KAGUYA observation images including movies with detailed explanations at the "KAGUYA Image Gallery" site. Please have a look and register.

The "Space Poem Chain" aims at providing the public throughout the world with a common collaborative ground to consider space, the Earth and life regardless of one's nationality, culture, generation, occupation, or role.
We are happy to announce that the third series of the "Space Poem Chain" was recently launched.

For the third series, 24 poems will be compiled and edited by February 2009 with Mr. Makoto Ooka, a poet, serving as a supervisor and Mr. Kiwao Nomura, also a poet, acting as a judge. The 24 poems consist of invited contributions and those chosen from contributions by the general public worldwide.

The first poem was contributed by Mr. Makoto Ooka (poet), the second by Ms. Maiko Sugimoto (poet), and the third by Mr. Junichi Watanabe (Director of the Information Center and Outreach Department at the NINS National Astronomical Observatory). For the fourth poem, we have asked the public to contribute a three-line poem before Sept. 15, and the selection result will be announced on the 19th (Fri.) After the fourth poem is selected, we will ask for submissions for the fifth poem (a five-line poem) before Sept. 22nd (Mon.). We are looking forward to your participation.

On Aug. 22, a scientific experiment began on the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo."

The fluid Physics Experiment Facility on the Fluid Experiment Rack in the Kibo Pressurized Module was remotely controlled from the Tsukuba Space Center to start the Marangoni convection research. The microgravity environment is imperative for not only generating a major scale of Marangoni convection but also for observing it for a prolonged period.

Details of the Marangoni convection are significant for further understanding the nature of fluid as well as to manufacture semiconductor materials and for the development of equipment for space use.

Various other experiments will be started as soon as functional verification of their equipment is completed on the Kibo.
(Photo:(c)JAXA / Tokyo University of Science, SUWA)

The observation rocket S-520-24, which aims to uncover the mechanism for crystal growth utilizing a microgravity environment during its flight, was launched at a vertical angle of 78.4 degrees at 17:30 on August 2, 2008 (Japanese Standard Time) from the Uchinoura Space Center.
The rocket's flight and on-board equipment all performed normally and the nose-cone was opened 55 seconds after launch. The rocket reached an altitude of 293 kilometers high in 274 seconds from the launch and all the experiments were completed. The rocket then descended to its scheduled ocean landing area southeast of Uchinoura.
Two pieces of equipment for the crystal growth experiment aboard the rocket were operated normally and acquired data.
A detailed analysis will be later performed using the acquired data.

Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, who was a crewmember on the recent Space Shuttle "Discovery" mission to assemble the Japan Experiment Module Kibo's Pressurized Module to the International Space Station, reported on his space journey at a meeting at Hibiya Kokaido Hall in Tokyo on July 26 (Sat.) While showing images taken during his mission, Astronaut Hoshide expressed his feelings while in space, "I felt that humankind was truly fabulous as we could launch such a huge object into space."
Another debriefing meeting by Astronaut Hoshide will be held in Tsukuba on July 31 (Thu) and in Nagoya on Aug. 1 (Fri).

The "GOSAT" is the first satellite to observe greenhouse gas around the Earth from space in order to further promote measures to deal with global warming.

Prior to its launch to space, we are asking your help to give the GOSAT a nickname. The nickname should be either in Japanese Hiragana or Katakana characters.
Please send us some appropriate nicknames by September 10 (Wed,) 2008.

The Space Shuttle "Discovery" with Astronaut Hoshide onboard landed at NASA Kennedy Space Center at 0:15 a.m. on Sunday, June 15 (Japan Standard Time.)
All its missions including the assembly of the Kibo, Japanese Experiment Module, Pressurized Module and Robotic Arm, and the moving of its Experiment Logistic Module Pressurized Section, were successfully completed.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all those who have been watching SPACE@NAVI-Kibo and sent us supportive messages.
The full-scale operation of the Kibo will shortly begin. Your supportive messages to Astronaut Hoshide and the Tsukuba Space Center Kibo Control Center are always welcomed.
(Photo provided by NASA)

The Space Shuttle "Discovery," with Japanese Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide onboard, separated from the International Space Station (ISS) at 8:42 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11 (Japan Standard Time), after having successfully completed the assembly task of the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo."

The Discovery will prepare for re-entry and return to the Earth. It is scheduled to land on Earth at NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) at 0:15 a.m. (JST) on Sunday (June 15).

SPACE@NAVI-Kibo SPECIAL LIVE will have a live broadcast of the return from 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, through the Internet and a mobile phone service. Please watch SPACE@NAVI-Kibo SPECIAL LIVE on the Saturday night!

We welcome your supportive messages for a safe return for Astronaut Hoshide.
(Photo provided by NASA)

At 10:31 p.m. on Monday, June 9 (Japan Standard Time,) the tenth day of the flight, the Robotic Arm of the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" was fully deployed. The Kibo Experiment Logistic Module Pressurized Section, which was moved on the 7th (Sat.), was also fully prepared for use, and Astronaut Hoshide and other crew members entered it at 3:21 on the 10th (Tuesday, JST.) Early in the morning on the same day (JST), a press conference was held from the Kibo Pressurized Module for American and Japanese media on Earth.

The next live report on the Internet and through the mobile phone service SPACE@NAVI-Kibo SPECIAL LIVE will be the return of the Space Shuttle "Discovery" from 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 14. Please watch the JAXA website on Saturday night!

We will continue to accept supportive messages for Astronaut Hoshide and the Kibo's ground operation team.
(Photo provided by NASA)

At 1:38 a.m. on Sunday, June 8 (Japan Standard Time,) the 8th day of the flight, Astronaut Hoshide performed the initial deployment of the Kibo robotic arm by controlling it through the console for the Robotic Arm in the Kibo pressurized Module. The arm was partially deployed.

At 8:00 a.m. (JST,) Astronaut Hoshide and Commander Kelly spoke from the International Space Station with Japanese Prime Minister Fukuda, Minister Tokai of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan, and US Ambassador Thomas Schieffer, who were at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Tokyo.) The astronauts also communicated with students from Futago Tamagawa Elementary School and Meikei Gakuen Junior High School, from which Astronaut Hoshide graduated. JAXA Astronaut Mamoru Mohri worked as a facilitator for communications.

The next live report through the Internet and mobile phone service will be between 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, and 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 15 (JST) on SPACE@NAVI-Kibo SPECIAL LIVE to broadcast the return of the Space Shuttle "Discovery."

Don't miss it!
(Photo provided by NASA)

The Experimental Logistic Module Pressurized Section of the Kibo, which was delivered and temporarily attached to the Harmony (the second node) of the International Space Station (ISS) by Astronaut Doi on the J/A mission, was detached at 4:15 on Saturday, June 7 (Japan Standard Time,) the seventh day of the flight. It was then attached to its final position, to the Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) on top of the Kibo Pressurized Module, at 6:17 (JST). Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide was in charge of controlling the CBM with Astronaut Gregory Chamitoff for both the detachment and attachment.

On the 10th day of the flight, the crew will open the hatch and enter the Pressurized Module again.

On Sunday (June 8, JST,) Kibo’s robotic arm will be deployed for the first time.
SPACE?NAVI-Kibo SPECIAL LIVE will broadcast a live report from 0:30 a.m. on the 8th (Sun) through the Internet and their mobile phone service. Please watch it.
(Photo provided by NASA)

At 6:09 on Thursday, June 5 (Japan Standard Time), the fifth day of the flight, the hatch of the Kibo Pressurized Module was opened, and Astronaut Hoshide and other crew members entered it by going through a curtain that says "Kibo" in Japanese.

On Saturday, June 7 (JST,) the Experiment Logistic Module Pressurized Section of the Kibo, which was delivered and temporarily attached to the ISS by Astronaut Doi on the J/A mission, will be moved from the current position on the Harmony to on top of the Pressurized Module.
SPACE@NAVI-Kibo SPECIAL LIVE will broadcast a live report from 4:00 a.m. on the 7th (Sat) through the Internet and their mobile phone service. Please watch it.
(Photo provided by NASA)

At 5:49 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4 (JST,) the fourth day of the flight, Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide retrieved the Kibo Pressurized Module from Discovery's cargo bay by manipulating the robotic arm (SSRMS) of the International Space Station (ISS.) Then, at 8:42 (JST,) the Kibo Pressurized Module was successfully installed on the port side of the Harmony node (the second node) of the ISS.

On Thursday, June 5 (JST,) electric power will be turned on in the Kibo Pressurized Module, and Astronaut Hoshide and other crew members will enter the Module. SPACE@NAVI-Kibo SPECIAL LIVE will broadcast a live report from 5:00 a.m. through the Internet and the mobile phone service. Please watch it.
(Photo provided by NASA)

The Space Shuttle "Discovery," with the Pressurized Module and Robotic Arm of the Japan Experiment Module "Kibo" aboard, successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) at 3:03 a.m. on June 3 (Japan Standard Time) over the South Pacific Ocean. At 4:36 a.m. (JST), the hatch was opened and the Discovery crew on mission STS-124/J1, including Astronaut Hoshide, entered the ISS.

Early on Wednesday morning, June 4 (JST,) Astronaut Hoshide will manipulate the ISS's Robotic Arm (SSRMS) to attach the Kibo Pressurized Module to the ISS. This operation will be reported live from 5:30 a.m. through the Internet and a mobile phone service by SPACE@NAVI-Kibo SPECIAL LIVE.
Let's watch it together!
(Photo provided by NASA)

The Space Shuttle "Discovery," with Astronaut Hoshide onboard, was launched from the Kennedy Space Center at 6:02 a.m. on Sunday, June 1 (Japan Standard Time). This STS-124/J1 mission will deliver the Pressurized Module and Robotic Arm of the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo."
The mission includes many programs such as docking with the International Space Station (ISS), attaching the Kibo's modules to the ISS, and moving the Experiment Logistics Module - Pressurized Section, which was delivered to the ISS through 1J/A mission.
SPACE@NAVI-Kibo SPECIAL LIVE will broadcast a live report of the above events through the Internet as well as through a mobile phone service. We will also provide a replay so you never have to miss anything.
Your support messages to Astronaut Hoshide are also welcomed!
The next live report is around 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 3 (JST,) to report the docking of the Discovery with the ISS. It will cover the moment of the Discovery crew entering the ISS.
(Photo provided by NASA)

At 6:02 a.m. on Sunday, June 1 (Japan Standard Time,) the Space Shuttle “Discovery,” with Astronaut Hoshide onboard, is scheduled to be launched. The mission, the 1J (STS-124), is the second delivery mission of the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo,” and the main module, the Pressurized Module, and the Robotic Arm are planned to be attached to the International Space Station (ISS.)
JAXA will broadcast a live Internet report with Japanese explanations of the launch of the Discovery, as well as the Kibo's installation, and the return of the Shuttle to Earth. We also plan a repeat of the report, thus if you miss the real-time event, you can still watch it.
The live report starts at 5:30 a.m. on June 1. Let's wake up early on Sunday to cheer on the launch of Astronaut Hoshide and the Kibo!

The launch date and time for the Space Shuttle “Discovery,” on which JAXA Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide is scheduled to be aboard, was officially announced as 6:02 a.m. on June 1, Sunday (Japan Standard Time.) The 1J (STS-124) mission is the second delivery of the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo.” It aims to attach the Kibo’s Pressurized Module and Robotic Arms to the International Space Station.

JAXA Astronaut Soichi Noguchi was selected as a key member of the 20th Expedition to the International Space Station (ISS) for a six-month stay, and Astronaut Satoshi Furukawa was chosen as his backup. Astronaut Noguchi will mainly conduct space utilization activities such as Japan's scientific experiments on the ISS, where six other crew members on the flight will join him.

Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, who is set to join the STS-124 mission (1J) to the International Space Station (ISS), arrived at the Kennedy Space Center on the 6^th of May (U.S. Time) for the final training session before the Shuttle’s launch. In this mission, the Kibo’s Japanese Pressurized Module (JPM) and robotic arm, the Remote Manipulator System (JEMRMS) will be connected to the ISS.
This final training session is called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), in which astronauts will actually board the Space Shuttle Discovery in their orange pressure suits and simulate the count down right up to the final launch.
The Space Shuttle Discovery was moved to the launch pad on May 3 (U.S. Time), and the JPM and JEMRMS were loaded in the payload bay (hold) on May 5 (U.S. Time) and are ready for the countdown.

The lunar explorer KAGUYA initially captured the right-side waned "Earth-rise" in November 2007 with its high-vision camera, but this time, it succeeded in capturing the "Full Earth-rise" without any wane. This is the first time that a high-vision image of the "Full Earth-rise" has been captured from space, 380,000 kilometers away from Earth.
To capture the Full Earth, the Moon, Earth, Sun and KAGUYA’s circulating orbits have to fall into a straight line. This peculiar positioning occurs only 2 times a year.

Using the Laser Altimeter (LALT) aboard the Lunar Explorer KAGUYA, JAXA acquired data covering the entire Moon’s surface and produced a topographical map of the Moon in cooperation with the National astronomical Observatory of Japan and the Geographical Survey Institute.

The LALT aboard the KAGUYA acquired the altitude data on the entire Moon, including the polar regions (above longitude 75 degrees), where other Lunar explorations had never investigated before. The number of measurement points is over 6 million (as of end of March, 2008), which exceeds 1 digit more than that of the former model Unified Lunar Control Network 2005 (ULCN 2005). From now on, the density of measurement points will increase through continued observations and a topographical map with even greater accuracy is anticipated.

JAXA is recruiting new Japanese astronaut candidates for the first time in 10 years. The candidates are expected to stay at the International Space Station (ISS) for a prolonged period of time to engage in the operation and maintenance of the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” and the ISS itself, as well as to be in charge of carrying out space utilization missions in various areas. Applications should be submitted between April 1 and June 20. We are looking for enthusiastic applicants who are willing to explore space frontiers and who will contribute to the welfare of mankind.