Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > JAPANESE GOVERMENT POLICICIES IN EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND CULTURE 1994 > PART II Chapter 6 Section 6 3

Space science involves the use of scientific satellites and other space vehicles to explore cosmic phenomena and laws. It also plays an important role as a driving force for space development through research and development relating to scientific satellites, satellite launchers, and other aspects of space-engineering technology.

In Japan the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science conducts research in an environment of close collaboration between science and engineering. To date the institute has launched 22 scientific satellites and amassed a long list of scientific achievements, including the exploration of Halley's Comet. The institute is also a world leader in such fields as X-ray astronomical observation. In February 1993 the X-ray astronomical satellite ASCA succeeded in recording X-rays emitted immediately after a supernova in a spiral galaxy approximately 10 million light-years from the earth. World attention was focused on the institute when it discovered that gamma-ray bursts, which had long been a mystery, are caused in part at least by neutron stars in the Milky Way.

In addition, the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science is currently working to develop new satellite launchers (M-V rockets) in preparation for the exploration of the many mysteries that remain within our solar system, including aspects of the moon and Mars.