Japan's space development

Launch of the Japanese rocket H-IIA

Japan's space exploration started in the mid-1950s as a research group led by Hideo Itokawa at the University of Tokyo. Rocket sizes increased gradually from less than 30 cm (12 in) at the start of the project to over 15 m (49 ft) in the mid-1960s. The aim of the original research project was to launch a man-made satellite.

By the 1960s, two organizations, the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA), were developing their own rockets. After experiencing numerous failures in the 1990s and 2000s, ISAS and NASDA merged to form the unified Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in 2003.

History

Dawn

Pencil rocket

The Japanese space development was started by Tokyo University professor Hideo Itokawa. Many aeronautical engineers lost their jobs after World War II as the development of aircraft was banned under the US Occupation of Japan. The signing of the San Francisco Peace Treaty in 1951 allowed the development of aviation technology again under the sovereignty of Japan. The seven-year stagnation of Japan's aerospace industry had seriously harmed the Japanese's technical ability .^[1][2] Itokawa established an aviation research group at the Institute of Industrial Science of the University of Tokyo, which succeeded in a horizontal launch of the Pencil Rocket on 12 April 1955 in Kokubunji, Tokyo. The dimensions of the rocket were 23 cm (9.1 in) in length by 1.8 cm (0.71 in) in diameter.^[3] This was the first rocket experiment in Japan. This rocket was initially associated with the development of rocket aircraft and not with space exploration. However, with Japan's participation in the International Geophysical Year, the focus of the rocket project shifted towards space engineering.^[4]

Early days

Rocket birthplace monument

The Pencil Rocket was at first launched horizontally, but as it increased gradually in size, the experiment in the city outskirts was deemed too dangerous and the launch site was moved to Michikawa beach in Akita Prefecture.^[5] Following the pencil rocket, the larger Baby Rocket was developed which finally reached an altitude of 6 km (3.7 mi). After the Baby Rocket, two rocket projects were carried out: a rockoon type rocket launched from a balloon and a ground-launched rocket. The development of the rockoon turned out to be difficult and was eventually stalled.^[1][6] Among the ground-launched rocket type, the altitude reached by the Kappa rocket gradually increased. This rocket was also used for weather observation and participated in the data collection of the 1958 International Geophysical Year. Due to non-existent development funds at the time, the rockets were handmade and the tracking radar was operated manually. The production relied on trial and error which brought forth many types of rockets.

In 1958, the Kappa 6 rocket reached an altitude of 40 km (25 mi) and the collected data allowed Japan to participate in the International Geophysical Year. In 1960, the Kappa 8 rocket exceeded an altitude of 200 km (120 mi). The development of larger rockets necessitated a launch site with a big downrange. The old site in Akita prefecture opening to the narrow Sea of Japan was deemed insufficient for this purpose and a new launch site opening to the Pacific was created at Uchinoura in Kagoshima Prefecture.

Launch of Ōsumi

Ōsumi (satellite)

In the 1960s, the information collected was primarily focused on satellites. A tentative plan was created. The kappa Lambda rocket became the successor of this rocket.The agency focused on gathering technical information from these launches in order to achieve higher maximum altitudes.

In 1963 the Science and Technology Agency established the National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL) where basic research on space technology was to be conducted. From about that time the government started to gradually increase its effort with regard to space development. National Aerospace Laboratory is the insufficient development of space technology for facilities, the National Aerospace Laboratory separated only aviation technology, 1964 in STA is another as an institution, "Space Development Group," has been established.^[1]

The University of Tokyo Aerospace was established. Lambda rocket development proceeded slowly while adding improvements, and to reach 2000 km altitude, the reality was closer to the launch of the satellite. At that time, military technology has become in the development of rocket guidance and control Japan Socialist Party because it was pointed out, Japan's first artificial satellite in orbit aimed at non-inductive. Disputes arise between the parties had been fishing in coastal fishing and fly far away as the rocket stalled temporarily. The continued failure of the rocket into orbit four times lambda.^[1] This is when you separate the rocket slammed into the stage and on the lower step becoming the fuel of a small amount of fuel remaining, was due to shake. Further improved the information obtained by these rockets.

On February 11, 1970, the unguided banner L-4S rocket by orbiter from Japan the No. 5 Ōsumi was successfully launched. So far only domestic technology, was successfully launched on rockets and satellites. People of the town has waited for a small flag Japanese flag in the joy of the successful launch boiled.^[7] Ōsumi signal was also seized by the United States cooperated in tracking the battery loses power at high temperatures, the next day was unable to capture the signals from your abode your.^[8] Ōsumi itself to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency was present on the ground until just before it was established.

Successful development

Space Development Group that existed before the satellite launch on January 10, 1969 Agency, the corporations of National Space Development Agency as an organized. Headquarters era predecessor agency had first facility Nii-jima s have tried to base their own rockets, and conducting experiments, and opportunely [Yasushi Yasushi struggle] and age, the agency Tanegashima was moved as a base for launching rocket campaign against missile occurred in.^[1] NASDA rockets for the practical application of commercial rather than seek a solid fuel rocket liquid fuel, for receiving technical assistance from the U.S. rush to acquire skills, NI Rocket launched.^[9] solid fuel rocket is the rocket have been developed so far in Japan, unlike liquid fuel is a part, had to use a liquid fuel rocket is also contiguous to this group. Aerospace space development has a high scientific and technological elements, with a focus on the development of NASDA rockets and commercial satellite business.

Since the Ministry was the responsibility of the Agency, NASDA and the Institute of Space and Aeronautical Science University of Tokyo was concerned that we were developing independently of each other. Claim to the unification of Science and Technology Ministry, the Ministry of Education was countered by experience and university autonomy. This issue will be carried out scientific satellite launches Aerospace, 1.4m larger rocket that was settled in drawing conducted by NASDA.^[10] ISAS is a research team at Tokyo University's National Authority Ministry of Education in 1981 (ISAS) will. However, even after the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Science and Technology will do while developing a space tug.

Sakigake

Started to develop more precise and rocket into the 1970s. Osumi launched a technology based on L-4S [Myuroketto] Early in the M-4S rocket was developed. No. 1, but failed, then succeeded in orbit three satellites aircraft continued and became the foundation of Myuroketto. After this, Myuroketto to simplify the system and make changes to the four-stage three-stage, rocket guidance and control were enhanced M3-C type was improved. M3-C 4-type machines and one machine has successfully been launched into orbit in three planes, but failed. M3-C thrust further cited a longer first stage of M3-H (M-3Hロケット) 3 type aircraft, all stages were capable of inducing the M3- S-type had a successful launch in succession of four satellites. The exact orbit and gradually made it possible to introduce up to a high place.

Engineering Test Satellite by these rockets Tansei and many other scientific satellites have been launched, ISAS began to store the information and satellite technology. Also, Yokkou come and firmament, such as atmospheric observation satellite, Hakucho and Hinotori such as X-ray astronomy satellite that was active. Development of the ISAS rocket M-3SII rocket dip in paragraph finished. The rocket is a solid fuel rocket is the first whole page, leaving the area to bring the gravity of the earth to the satellite Sakigake and Suisei to Halley Armada were participating. M-3SII to launch satellite rocket technology and an established one after another.

This is a larger solid rocket had to wait until the year 1997 MV appearance. Space Science for the next 10 years the government has a diameter of 1.4m rocket technical report expected to say more would not be enlarged, and the drawing up of this magnitude in both the National Space Development Agency, was subjected to further limit the National Assembly, it became difficult for larger.^[10]

NASDA was initially planned to develop its own liquid rocket, rocket from the commercial need for immediate practical use, technology introduction luck in the universe from the United States signed an agreement with the United States U.S. Bitonatta. America [Delta rocket] using first-stage liquid engine was developed in Japan we began a program of LE-installed in the second stage liquid rocket 3. Thus N-1 rocket has been developed. However, the first liquid rocket was NI Rocket to the low orbit launch capability was inferior to the U.S. ability to produce satellites. Therefore, the [1977] geostationary meteorological satellites in the transfer of technology from the United States created by Sunflowers of the United States launched a rocket.^[11] The Sakura and Yuri had launched rockets such as the United States. NI rocket technology was acquired only manufacturing technology and management techniques, often take the record, NASDA will gradually acquire technical skills, since the No. 2 satellite in the sunflower, it increased the localization went.

Since then, NASDA satellite to meet the requirements of NI larger rocket, the successor to N-II rocket started the development of the second stage [knockdown production] change, 300 kg close [Sunflowers No. 2] was able to put into a geostationary orbit. These rockets United States in Delta rocket in licensed production and the U.S. component knockdown production vehicle itself and the quality was very good, Apojimota and satellite black box not enter the information not yet made it even better when it fails has become. Thus, began the development of indigenous self-development that would require the entire rocket.^[1] The newly developed HI rocket is a liquid fuel rocket research and development conducted on its own LE-5 engines to practical use, the second-stage rocket engine turned 2.^[11] LE-5 is characterized by this feature can be re-ignition becomes more powerful N-II, HI capability of the rocket launch to geostationary orbit over 500 kg.

NASDA rockets are used for production of commercial satellite launch is much more rapid communication satellite and broadcasting satellites, meteorological satellites and the launch went. HI 9 aircraft are manufactured rockets, all of which successfully launched the satellite successfully launched multiple simultaneous first Japanese.^[11]

Japan has not been developed for manned space flight, NASA in cooperation with Mouri Mamoru was scheduled to go first as a Japanese space by the shuttle accident in 1990, civilian There was Toyohiro Akiyama was first to go into space as a Japanese. He also became a first time as a civilian man went into space.

Integration and institutional failure

M-V rocket launch rehearsal

NASDA LE-5 engine will be successful, even in light of technological progress in Japan has decided to develop a purely domestic liquid fuel rocket technology to improve domestic technology. The development was initiated from 1984. H-II rocket is a redesign everything from scratch. Toward the domestic first-stage engine completely, with difficulties in its development. First stage was to develop a new type of Japan LE-7 rocket engines are used in high-pressure combustion of hydrogen and oxygen gas, or parts damage due to vibration, and durability of the material issues It took some time to resolve. Hydrogen is also caused by revealing the explosion. Solid rocket boosters had to take advantage of the solid rocket technology has continued research in space science laboratory. Takes years to develop 10, HI in the last two years after the launch [in 1994] decided to launch one rocket. [February 3,] was scheduled to be launched to put off a day fell from the launch pad for air conditioning duct fairing February 4, as the first complete domestic and liquid rocket became H-II rocket was launched in a rocket.^[1]

On the other hand, the 1989 Space Science Institute [Space Development policy outline] enables the development of larger rockets conversions began in 1990 to develop rockets with solid rocket can planets. Problem occurs also in the development of rocket motors. The prolonged development, M-3SII again in 1997 after two years from the last flight of the rocket M-V was completed. Was born during a space launch vehicle for spacecraft Mars Nozomi was to postpone the launch of two years.

Japan was thus advanced the development of a rocket, [1990] (1990) and the USA trade policy, "Section 301" is applied, Japan international competitive bidding had to be practical for use in domestic satellites. This is useful for satellite launches, a lot to bring the US-made rocket that can launch more affordable, and produced a few high-cost domestic satellite, a commercial satellite in low-cost mass production of the West slightly enemy Himawari 5 was the successor to purchase American-made finished products.^[1] Midori and environmental observation satellites for such,^[12] HALCA astronomical satellites and experimental spacecraft and satellites is almost like a rocket can be launched in Japan, gave a great success of these satellites. However, it flowed overseas launch of commercial satellites is also the reason can not gain experience until now launch commercial rockets.

The late 1990s and early 2000s (decade) was to stumble on a newly developed rocket. H-II rocket flight 5 and flight 8 failed to launch in a row, M-V failed to launch even flight 4.^[11] Nozomi failed to enter Mars orbit. Overlapping administrative reform movement from these failures and the occasion was to be proposed in the integration of government space agencies. Strengthening cooperation between organizations, prioritization of features, such as being a plan to streamline the organizational structure, Space Science Institute, October 1, 2003 (ISAS), National Space Development Agency (NASDA), aerospace Technology Laboratories (NAL) are integrated, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency was established.^[13] Integration was the first time since the launch of a space agency H-IIA flight 6, but failed to launch, the rocket launches have been successful since.

Currently

Hayabusa return sparked quite a conversation.

NASDA H-II we redesigned and simplified from a failed rocket launch H-IIA rocket was developed. Although this rocket failed shortly after launch integration, which will launch and many successful aircraft in 17 aircraft by September 18, 2010. Large payload to send equipment and supply to the international space station more H-IIB Rocket have been developed and is now in order to launch the satellite easier cheaper MV solid fuel new successor to the Rocket Rocket Epsilon rocket is also being developed.^[14] These developments in Japan are pursuing the possibility of re-launching business.

Now a lot of satellites and experimental spacecraft to launch satellites in the country, became a strong technical capabilities in this field. No. 7 meteorological satellite Himawari can reduce costs by using satellite bus that was used to Kiku No. 8, was able to launch a domestic satellite weather again. Has been launched plans to launch a small scientific satellite lot, this plan is to allow for rapid development of inexpensive, custom-made satellites aims to share some semi.^[15]

On the other hand, 1998 after missile tests by North Korea in the past, has never been done spy satellites is done and now the launch of the basic space law in 2008 finalized, now is made military use of space for defense purposes only. And is currently doing in this area and although the Japanese reconnaissance satellite and missile defense only. Budget has been diverted out of scientific space exploration budget for these plans, which put pressure on other technologies.^[16] Space budget from other political factors tend to decrease. In addition, some factions of the organization state that the former JAXA affect the budget allocation. These are contributes to dampen the history of the Japanese space development.

The biggest success in recent years Hayabusa said feedback. Made the primary purpose of engineering experiments is the spacecraft in 2003 Uchinoura Space Center from MV asteroid was launched by rocket asteroid After exploring the 2010 returned to Earth.^[17] There was a problem during landing when the landing on Itokawa, which had been most likely unable to collect samples of the asteroid, which contains a sample of asteroids in the capsules were returned, by which the spacecraft World The spacecraft was first brought back samples from an asteroid.^[18]

In June 2014 Japan's science and technology ministry said it was considering a space mission to Mars. In a ministry paper it indicated unmanned exploration, manned missions to Mars and long-term settlement on the Moon were objectives, for which international cooperation and support was going to be sought.^[19]

Organization

Japan's space development Institute of Industrial Science, which began as a study group, and are based on the Engineering of Tokyo was the second aircraft before the war and developing sources I follow it. This study group in 1964 [Tokyo Institute of Aerospace] as an independent. In 1963, the State National Aerospace Laboratory launched, along with aircraft technology that it was done by National Aerospace Laboratory. 1969 NASDA was launched, Aerospace R & D technology exports grew from problems specific to science. Then in 1981, the Aerospace was reorganized and became the National Institute of Space and Astronautical Science. The momentum of reforms and administrative arrangements-government organizations held early 2000s (decade) from the 1990s, overlapping the failure of the launch rocket, a consistent these institutions are necessary to strengthen cooperation organization, Japan Aerospace Exploration Organization (JAXA) was launched.^[13][20] Currently, Japan's space development JAXA is responsible for one hand.

Facilities

• Uchinoura Space Center
• Tanegashima Space Center
• Tsukuba Space Center
• Kakuda Space Center
• Earth Observation Center
• Usuda Deep Space Center

Defunct Facilities

• Akita Rocket Test Site
• JAXAi

Companies

• IHI Corporation
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
• NEC
• Mitsubishi Electric
• Kawasaki Heavy Industries

Rocket range

Japan's largest rocket range, the Tanegashima Space Center

There are two facilities in Japan with the ability to launch satellites: the Tanegashima Space Center and Uchinoura Space Center. NASDA liquid fuel rockets are launched from Tanegashima, while ISAS solid fuel rockets are launched from Uchinoura.

In addition to the above two locations, there are other facilities able to launch test rockets.

Akita Rocket Test Site was used as a test launch facility since 1955 from the University of Tokyo. This test site was used for the last time in 1965 by the National Aerospace Laboratory, and now only a monument remains to commemorate the site.

The [rocket weather station] was established in April 1970 and was active until March 21, 2001. The MT-135P rocket was launched a total of 1,119 times. We are currently observing the atmosphere as air quality stations.

[Shima Shin test site] rocket launch test was conducted over the Science and Technology in 1963 and 1965. The agency and the facility had been rented in the form tested. Aviation is currently a Branch Office of Research and Shima Shin equipped laboratory, we have launched trial operations of guided missiles and other weapons.

Taiki Aerospace Research Field in a private vehicle CAMUI Rocket has been made since the launch in 2002.

Also, in Japan, but Japan is one of the Antarctic base Showa Station Between 1970 and 1985, the rockets have been launched by 54 groups for purposes such as ozone measurements and auroral .

Goals

Japan is "safe and prosperous society" that want to use aerospace technology to achieve aggressive. According to JAXA's long-term vision^[21]

• Natural disasters, help system for environmental issues
• Planets, and the monthly rate for technical research for the advancement of asteroid
• Improved reliability for stable transportation, related research and manned space activity
• Of the key industries of the space industry

And has been incorporated.

Oriented development

Japanese rocket has been developed completely separated from the military technology for peaceful goals. Therefore, the purpose is commercial or scientific purposes with a lot of rockets and satellites. The initial observation satellites, a lot has been increasing and communications satellites and spacecraft gradually. Lead to the re-entry to military technology were ahead of 1994.

References

External links

• History of Japanese Space Research (Institute of Space and Astronautical Science)
• History of the Japanese Aerospace Industry: 50 years (The Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies) (Japanese)