The History and Accomplishments of the Japanese Space Program

1. The History and Accomplishments of the Japanese Space Program

2. The History and Accomplishments of the Japanese Space Program • The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) came into being on 1 October 2003 • The result of a merger of three different bodies involved in Japanese efforts at space exploration • JAXA is an independent administrative institution Chapter 6, Lesson 3

3. The Work of Soichi Noguchi and Other Japanese Astronauts • The first Japanese astronaut in space was Mamoru Mohri in September 1992 • Takao Doi was the first Japanese astronaut to walk in space in 1997 • In 2009 Soichi Noguchi launched in a Russian Soyuz spacecraft • Noguchi took part in the first flight of the US space shuttle after the 2003 Columbia accident Chapter 6, Lesson 3

4. The Mission of the Japanese Moon Probe Kaguya • JAXA launched its Kaguya probe of the Moon on 14 September 2007 from the Tanegashima Space Center • Mission objectives were to obtain data on the Moon’s origin and to develop technology for future exploration • On 10 June 2009 it made a planned crash landing onto the Moon’s surface Chapter 6, Lesson 3

5. Japan’s Contribution to the ISS Program • Japan has spent at least $3 billion developing its Kibo lab • It has two elements: a pressurized module and an “exposed facility” • The control room at the Tsukuba Space Center, northeast of Tokyo, manages Kibo’s operations 24/7 Chapter 6, Lesson 3 Courtesy NASA/