Space is the final frontier. Vast, unknown, unexplored, and unclaimed. Ever since the beginning of time, man looked up to the stars in wonder. Many different countries are in the battle to find out more about this new mysterious territory. Space holds many great miracles and beauties, but it also holds many dangerous. Solar flares, CME’s, black holes, supernovas, meteorite collisions, and more possible world-ending objects are located in space. Much like every other global superpower, Japan is at the forefront of studying and using space to its full potential. The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) creates cutting-edge space technology and is changing the way we think about space and what it contains.
Japan may not manufacture space shuttles, but they still send astronauts to space using Russian shuttles.2 Why do the Japanese send men to space? There are many reasons. First, they conduct experiments utilizing an environment that is different from Earth such as experiments with microgravity and high vacuum.2 Another task Japanese astronauts complete is maintaining the International Space Shuttle (ISS) and the Japanese Experiment Module Kibo. They maintain systems such as electricity, communications, environment control, and experiment support.2 Also, Japanese astronauts use robotic arms to repair or replace parts on the ISS and Module Kibo.2 According to JAXA.jp, the last main reason that Japan sends men to space is to conduct spacewalks. On these spacewalks, astronauts repair or replace parts they can’t reach with robotic arms. Many people do not believe in sending men to space, however, Japan has many legitimate reasons to continue their astronaut program.
Space shuttles are much too expensive to conduct routine repairs on satellites, so rockets are used to do these tasks. Japan creates many rockets to deploy drones, satellites, and conduct repairs. Launch vehicles are an important means of transportation that link Earth and outer space. Without rockets, space communication systems and weather satellites could not be deployed or repaired.2 Of course, space communication systems and weather satellites have a direct impact on our quality of life. Launch vehicles also play an essential role in the assembly and supply of the International Space Station.2 Currently, Japan has four kinds of launch vehicles to use in different situations.2 These rockets are the H-IIA and B launch vehicles, H-II Transfer vehicle, and sounding rockets.3 All of these rockets have different uses. The Japanese build and use
some of the best rockets in the world. JAXA researches many aspects of space, including lunar research, research on X-Rays and gamma rays, and research on space technologies.4 Lunar research is conducted mainly by the “SELENE” (SELenological and ENgineering Explorer).4 The "SELENE" sends data to JAXA to try to uncover the secrets of the Moon's origin and evolution, and for the development of technology for future moon exploration.4 To study many space mysteries, the Japanese do not use just telescopes on Earth. They also use high-tech receivers to study X-rays and infrared rays coming from space.4 Because Earth’s atmosphere absorbs these rays, they need to perform these observations from space.4 The Japanese study these rays to observe objects such as distant galaxies, black holes and many more.4 They study these objects to learn about the origin and biggest secrets our universe has to offer. Lastly, JAXA researches possible space technology. Two examples of this technology are a solar electric sail and the electric propulsion system. A solar electric sail is a possible interplanetary propulsion system.4
JAXA Logo
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