Research and Development Directorate

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The world beyond imagination starts from here
- What JAXA Research and Development Directorate aims for JAXA Research and Development Directorate works on creation of innovative “ideas” andhighly competitive “technologies” and challenges to realize a rich society by utilizing
aerospace.

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Creating “Future” - Leading Research We promote leading research and development towards realization of advanced aerospace
missions and systems that create new value; i.e. we create future from aerospace.

Connecting “now” to “Future” - Research for Secure Development and Success of Missions We also support resolving challenges that the aerospace industry and projects face now
using our expertise.

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Director General
Research and Development Directorate
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

INABA Noriyasu

Organization Chart of the Research and Development Directorate
Director General
Research Strategy Department

Intellectual Property Division

Management and Integration Department

Kakuda Administration Division

Research Unit I

Main research on technologies of electrical systems for trajectory, navigation guidanceand control, telecommunications, space power systems, and electronics, spaceenvironment, space materials, etc.

Research Unit II

Main research on technologies of mechanical systems for thermal systems, structures andmechanism and tribology, propulsion system, space robotics, and environmental control
for human space missions, etc.

Research Unit III

Main research on technologies for programming, numerical simulation, and informatics,etc.

Research Unit IV

Main research on technologies for space transportation systems

System Technology Unit
Satellite Technology Demonstration Research Unit
Sensor System Research GroupCALLISTO Project TeamMOLI Pre-Project TeamCRD2 Phase II Pre-Project TeamResearch Policy
As National Research and Development Agency, JAXA, looking at the next decade, will create high-value-added mission and competitive systems byconducting R&D and technology demonstration regarding innovative technologies that dramatically improve the functions/performance of spacesystems as well as “dual utilization” technologies that are useful for both space development such as space exploration and ground business/social
solution, and those efforts will be pursued jointly with industries, including non-space business, in an expanded open innovation approach.
Through these efforts, we will contribute to technological innovation and the promotion of a wide range of industries, as well as promote projects at
JAXA, strengthen the competitiveness of private companies, accelerate commercialization, and encourage the entry of different industries, SMEs, andstartup companies into the space field. As the major challenges in the 4th mid-term plan, we set the following themes, and we will work on researchand development to resolve these challenges by collaborating with each directorate of JAXA as well as related institutions and organizations.

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Research and development that contributes to strengthening the comprehensive foundations of Japan's space
activities

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To ensure the continued independence of Japan's space transportation system and to strengthen its competitiveness in the future market, asinnovative “R&D on the future space transportation systems” aiming at drastic cost reduction, JAXA as a whole will work together to conduct
research and development of innovative technologies such as reusable technology, innovative material technology, innovative propulsion
system technology (liquefied natural gas (LNG), airbreathing), innovative manufacturing technology, and reliability and safety technologies formanned transportation, taking into account the upgrading of mainstay rockets.

2

Under the Satellite Development and Demonstration Platform established by National Space Policy Secretariat at the Cabinet Office and theCommittee on National Space Policy, JAXA will conduct R&D and demonstration of challenging and innovative satellite technologies that canbe utilized by the public and private sectors, key components that Japan should maintain, and new development and manufacturing methods(digitalization, etc.), in cooperation with various government ministries, universities, research institutes, and private businesses including
startup companies.

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Centered around the areas where JAXA has strong points in, such as simulation technology, highly-reliable software technology, mounted
equipment and parts with high global competitiveness, advanced rocket engines, we aim to contribute to enhance JAXA's competitiveness inhighly advanced space projects and resolve challenges where JAXA strengthens the collaboration among the industry, government, andacademia as its core.

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We also interact and collaborate with areas other than aerospace in order to take in wide knowledge that resides in Japan for enhancing ourspace technology as well as to utilize space technology to challenges various areas are facing. By doing this, we aim to contribute tomaximize and spread the results as the whole country. Furthermore, in the future, depending on the expansion of utilization of aerospace, forthe areas that need improvement and enhancement, we will utilize competitive research funds, introduce private funds, and mobilize humanresources to promote agile research and development.

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Leading research and development that create new value in the aerospace development1

We will contribute to securing Japan's international competitiveness by taking on the challenge to create a new aerospace market andsteadily acquiring debris removal technologies by collaborating with private businesses that aim to operationalize the aerospace debris
countermeasures ahead of the world. As the major challenge here, we aim to demonstrate our technologies of the world-first, low-cost debris
removal service targeted for large rocket debris. Furthermore, towards its operationalization, we will collaborate with the Japanese
government as well as domestic and foreign related organizations to contribute to the early realization of international rules for aerospacedebris countermeasures on a stage such as the UN based on the demonstration results of our technologies.

2

We will cooperate with private businesses to perform research and development and develop technologies that foresee the needs of themarket, and demonstrate these technologies. By doing so, we aim to create leading services and globally competitive systems ahead of theworld.

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In the international space exploration field, which is a new frontier, in order to lead the plan with excellent technologies and designs as an
essential international partner, we will perform research and development to polish our own technologies, which have high superiority in
exploration and analysis on planets, as well as efficient access to environmental control, life support, radiation protection, gravitational
planets, etc.

04Creating “Future” - Leading Research -Reduction in launch costs throughthe reuse of launch vehicles

Leading Research

Currently, we are conducting research towards the reuse of Japan's flagship launch vehicles
in future using Reusable Vehicle eXperiment (RV-X) as part of front-loading research
activities for Cooperative Action Leading to Launcher Innovation for Stage Toss-backOperation (CALLISTO), which is being jointly researched by JAXA, CNES and DLR.
Based on considerations brought to attention by the space shuttle, the reusable
launch vehicle used in the future must have repeated operation over a short periodof time using the same vehicle, and an advanced operation different from that ofexpendable rockets is required. The plan is for RV-X to demonstrate the vertical
take-off and vertical landing (VTVL) capability while reaching to the altitude ofhundred meters.
We aim to establish a method of operating the vehicle to be able to execute thisseries of VTVL sequences at high frequencies and short intervals.

RCS
Avionics
LOX tank
GHe tank

7294.7mm05

LH2 tank
Skin
EngineLandingGear
1830mmExecution of ground firing tests

Schematic of the vehicle

Research on space exploration
for the Artemis Program
In December 2020, the Japanese government signed a
Memorandum of Understanding with the United States
regarding Gateway and formally decided to participate in
the Artemis mission. In July 2020, MEXT and NASA also
issued a joint declaration, agreeing to cooperate in lunar
exploration, including joint consideration of a pressurized
rover and coordination of lunar exploration opportunities
for Japanese nationals. To implement such international
commitments, JAXA will continue to promote research anddevelopment of (1) gravitational celestial landing
technology, (2) gravitational celestial surface exploration
technology, (3) human spaceflight technology, and (4) deep
space resupply technology.

JAXA will provide
Environmental Control
and Life Support System© NASA

Gateway

Specifically, JAXA is promoting research and developmentof technologies that can leverage Japan's strengths andcontribute to international space exploration, in line withthe research goals and technology roadmap organized inthe "Overall Scenario for Japanese Space Exploration(Draft)" prepared by JAXA's International Space Exploration
Center.

Creating “Future” - Leading Research -Seamless and Autonomous Space Communication System
for Society5.0

In this research, for the purpose of achieving a seamless and autonomous space communication system, we conduct over a wide range of
device-level to system-level studies.

Exploration beyond Earth
Sub-Earth High-Speed
Communication Networknear-earth
GEO

Ultra-high-speed, high-capacity
space optical wireless communications

Ultra-high-speed, high-capacity
communication network in GEO

LEO

Next Generation Earth Observation
Low latency high-speed high-capacity
communication network

User spacecraft(Earth Observation Satellite,etc)

High-speed, high-capacity
low earth orbit satellite-to-groundstation communications

High-speed, high-capacity, and secure optical and radio communication infrastructure connecting terrestrial and space communication networks

Research on the future engineering test satellitethat will drive the digital revolution

With overwhelming improvements in computer processing powerand digital technologies such as AI, IoT, and ICT, functions andhuge amounts of data can be processed quickly, which were
impossible with conventional technology. A method that creates
added value has appeared in society and propelled remarkableprogress.
In this research, we aim to apply these high-potential digitaltechnologies to the entire life cycle of a satellite system, fromdevelopment to operation.
Also, we are studying the application of these technologies to thefunctional design of systems to realize functions that can be
flexibly modified according to the application and more complex
functions.
This research aims to contribute to society by advancing the digitaltransformation. The research verifies the technologies that will
enable these in the future engineering test satellite.

Application of digital technology
1 SIMULATION

2 MODELING

3 DELIVERY

4 DESIGN

Realization of more advanced satellites
Efficient satellite development
Proposal for high-quality
satellite systems (solutions)Leading Research

For Society5.0, which, is the economic society following on from the hunter-gatherer society, agricultural society, industrial society, andinformation society, the transmission of information and highly flexible communications are required in broadband environments and incase of large-scale disasters over a wide range of fields of activity, including the sky and sea. The importance of space communication
networks that seamlessly connect to terrestrial networks and high-speed communication links for geostationary/non-geostationary
commercial communication/earth observation/data relay satellites are increasing.

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Creating “Future” - Leading Research -07
Leading Research

Research on technology for applyinghydrogen fuel to aircraft and future spacetransportation systems

High-Speed Point-to-Point Transportation System

We are developing the technology to apply hydrogen fuel to aircraft and spacetransportation systems in a carbon-neutral society.
A hydrogen aircraft that does not emit carbon dioxide would have a liquid-hydrogenfuel supply and employ safety management technologies learned in developing the
H-IIA and H3 rockets.
We are also investigating hydrogen-fueled air-breathing engines with significantly
lower propellant consumption than conventional rockets. We aim to develop awinged space transportation system with air-breathing engines to realize futurehigh-speed point-to-point and high-frequency space transportation.
Winged SpaceTransportation System

Inter-disciplinary technology for increasing competitiveness andproviding innovation in spacecraft that will create new fields ofspace use

Aiming to increase the international competitiveness of spacecraft,
we are conducting cross-cutting research on innovative themesthat lead to technological innovation.
Wireless technologies
Research on on-board processing technology
for earth observation satellite data
Automated and autonomous robotics technologies
for future human space station operations
Research on GNSS receiver technology
for space applications

Onboard image processor for SAR data
©JAXA/Alouette Technology Inc.
Miniaturized attitude control sensors
and actuators in an All-in-one module

Connecting “now” to “Future” - Research for Secure Development and Success of Missions -Research on software, computational engineering,and V&V technology for space systems
The objective of this research is to establish the systems
engineering which balances mission success with reduction ofdevelopment costs, by researching, development and utilization of
the world's top-level information technology and computational
engineering.
This will make possible a space mission that currently seems
infeasible in terms of development costs and lead time.
As a first step, we will contribute to developing a new H3 rocket inan efficient and reliable manner. In parallel, we will research
future satellites and reusable space transportation systems andsupport space projects with the use of previously developed
technologies.

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Research for Secure Development andSuccess of Missions

Docking System of Space craft Docking Mechanism
Ground Test

Docking System of Space craft Docking Mechanism
Repeatability Analysis

Research on space-qualified parts
Space-qualified parts, which have capability of withstanding the space environment, are indispensable for the reliable operation of asatellite over a long period in space. We have been researching and developing space-qualified parts essential to satellite development with
two objectives : maintaining independent space programs and placing Japan's future satellites in a more competitive position.
We take a long perspective approach to R&D on space-qualified parts. Our scientists work with research institutes and private sectors to
identify promising domestic technologies and focus our resources on the development of parts that we expect to provide innovative,
effective solutions for future satellite systems. We intend to better translate our research into practical outcomes at the earliest stage
possible.

3mm

3mm

Prototype 16nm FinFET Semiconductor Chipwith Radiation Hardened Circuits

RF-MEMS switches prototyped in Minimal FabConnecting “now” to “Future” - Research for Secure Development and Success of Missions -Research on transportation
technology

Research on Earth observation
sensor system

There are many types of sensors onboard Earth observation
satellites. Spaceborne remote sensing instruments are broadly
categorized according to the observation techniques they
employ and the electromagnetic spectrums in which they
operate (optical or microwave).
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Research for Secure Development andSuccess of Missions

10kN thrust class metal 3D modeling combustor/
Methane combustion test

Utilizing comprehensive design engineering JAXA has
acquired and accumulated for a sensor system, we have been
researching key technologies and sensor systems expected tobe required in the next decade or two. We have also beenworking with internal and external organizations to devise
space missions that can fully benefit from the remote sensors
to be developed in the future.
An ultimate goal is to translate our research findings into
Operational Earth observation missions.

In accordance with the technology roadmap established by
JAXA, for the realization of an innovative future spacetransportation system, this project aims to promote research on
improving performance, reliability, and safety. This includes
drastic cost reduction of space transportation to expand
Japan's independent launch capability and strengthen its
launch services' international competitiveness.
This project will research and develop basic technologies suchas Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) engines and thermal protection
technologies to quickly acquire the bottleneck technologies
essential to realize an innovative space transportation system.

Fiber-coupled LD for pulsed laser excitation for LIDAR

Research on the technology of space systems

A space system is a system of systems, consisting of many
elements. It includes not only a launch vehicle and satellites but
also ground segments such as the various ground facilities andinstallations. The mission success relies on the workings of thesystem as a whole, not on the discrete functions of its elements.
In our research we will search for the most appropriate
configuration of the elements in order to allocate a space systemthat will meet requirements for the system.
We will study various concepts of the space system, together with
scientific expertise and technological capabilities in cooperation
with internal and external bodies. Based on this study, we willpropose a project that can pave the way to technologies thatenhance Japan's competitiveness, provide solutions to societal
challenges, and enable strategies to secure industrial growth in
the decades to come.

Conceptual Design
Results of RAISE-3

Conceptual Design Results ofMars Ice Mapper

Connecting “now” to “Future” - Research for Secure Development and Success of Missions -Ensuring the safety of space missions now and in the futureSpace debris has been increasing year by year and in the future is expected to interfere with human space activities. To ensure the safety ofspace activities and promote sustainable space development in the future, JAXA is strengthening its cooperation with the government, as
well as with internal and external related organizations, and is engaged in research and development of space debris.

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Research for Secure Development andSuccess of Missions

Debris removal and capture mechanism test

Space debris on orbit (image)

Advancement of basic technologies on mechanisms
and materials for expanding space activities

Lithium-ion batteries

To enable more flexible, extensive, and long-term space activities, we aim toestablish technologies for accurately measuring and predicting the spaceenvironment, as well as basic technologies on materials, mechanisms, andstructures that can apply to severe environments and commonly usedequipment, such as batteries and attitude control actuators.
Dust seals

Vacuum Combined
Environment Testing

Radiation belt

Rolling bearings

The reduction gearConnecting “now” to “Future” - Research for Secure Development and Success of Missions -Research to Improve Competitiveness of Hall Thrusters
Various propulsion devices control the orbit and attitude ofsatellites and probes. Some technology uses electric orelectromagnetic forces to obtain thrust, called electric propulsion.
There are many types of electric propulsion, and our research
focuses on a Hall thruster.
Our research aims to enhance Japan's industrial competitivenessthrough electric propulsion technology, and the following threethemes are the pillars of our current activities.

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1. 6kW Hall Thruster
2. 1kW Hall Thruster
3. Innovation on Electric Propulsion
6kW Hall Thruster

1kW Hall Thruster

Research for Secure Development andSuccess of Missions

Research on
Atmospheric Entry-Descent-Landing
and Recovery (EDL&R) Technologies
The purpose of this research is to support the projects currently under development interms of technologies by organizing a cross-sectoral research team to share knowledge
and to provide problem-solving schemes for issues related to the atmospheric entry
systems and the take-off and landing systems for lunar and planetary exploration. At thesame time, we aim to produce space missions that create new value by strengthening
the common fundamental technologies essential for future advanced sample return
missions, high frequency and continuous flight demonstrators from LEO, and Mars
exploration missions.

[TOP] Sample Return Capsule[MIDDLE] Manned Return Capsule[BOTTOM] Mars Pin-Point Landing Demonstrator

Power management that evolves space systems
Research on satellite power systems has so far produced results focusing on the higher efficiency, miniaturization and weight reduction ofcomponents such as power control units and battery cells, and realized their implementation in society. On the other hand, as satellite
missions diversify with the expansion of space utilization, the issue of how to secure the necessary power has become a challenge.
In addition to the development of powersystem components, this research aims toestablish power management technologythat considers the energy cycle of theentire system, including thermal control,to achieve highly efficient power operation
on orbit.

Lithium-ion cell

Battery charge regulator "GaN̲BCR"

Project etc.

Innovative satellite technology
demonstration programThis program is part of the strategic promotion of projects in the satellite development anddemonstration platform under the “expansion of satellite development and utilization
infrastructure” as indicated in the basic plan for space policy to provide opportunities todemonstrate equipment, parts, microsatellites and CubeSats developed by private companies,
universities, research institutions, etc.
JAXA also aims to realize the followings through this program:
1 . We will acquire and accumulate new knowledge from the private companies, universities, etc.,
and connect it to the creation of future missions / projects and the establishment of spacedemonstration businesses by the private companies.
2 . Furthermore, we will lead to achievement of more advance and effective realization ofministries' needs to solve policy issues of Japan reflecting new technologies, and to expansionof market share in the international market etc.

RAPid Innovative payload demonstration
Satellite-1 (RAPIS-1) TMSAP deployment

RApid Innovative payload demonstration
SatellitE-2 (RAISE-2) flight modelMulti-satellite mount structure[ Innovative Satellite Technology
Demonstration-2 ]Launch of the Epsilon-5 with Innovative Satellite
Technology Demonstration-2 onboard

Project etc.

Commercial Removal of
Debris Demonstration (CRD2)
Commercial removal of debris demonstration (CRD2) is the world's first technology demonstration ofremoving large-scale debris from orbit. This project is launched in collaboration with private sector,
aiming to commercialize space debris removal and develop new markets for private business.
We have released Request For Proposal (RFP) concerning Phase I mission on October 2019.
JAXA has contracted with Astroscale for Phase I mission on March 2020.

Check here for the video© Astroscale

Image of CRD2 Phase-I

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Development of
SOI-SOC MPUEngineering Model of
SOI-SOC MPU(After assembly without lid)

The evolution of information communications technology
which realized the autonomous communication between“thing” and “thing” on a global network has enabled theworld closely interconnected. It is considered that such a
network will further extend into space in the future.
Accordingly next-generation spacecrafts will demandeven higher functionality and performance from space
MPU (Micro processing Unit) which plays a core role ofcontrolling information of the network under the harshradiation environment of space.
JAXA are developing SOI-SOC MPU as the highfunctionality / high-performance next-generation MPU,
which adopts the SOI (Silicon on Insulator) semiconductor
manufacturing technology and the SOC (System on Chip)
design technology. Since the SOI technology isfundamentally superior in radiation tolerance and the SOC
technology can load multiple functions on a single chip,
SOI-SOC MPU willcontribute to diverseand sophisticatedspace missions.

Cooperative Action Leading to
Launcher Innovation for Stage
Toss-back Operation(CALLISTO) project

We are engaged with research that aims to reuse
the first stages of launch vehicles that previously
have been disposable, as a method to effectively
reduce transportation costs to space.
The important technologies (key technologies) toallow a series of operations from launch to landing
followed by reuse, have been identified. They are
guidance and control technology, propellant man
agement technology, and engine maintenancetechnology. Through the development of a scaled,reusable, experimental vehicle called CALLISTO andflight tests, we will accumulate knowledge related tothese technologies.
While taking initiatives in the technologies inwhich Japan has unique superiority, we alsoplan to proceed with efficient flight tests,
based on international cooperation with
French and German space agencies.

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Project etc.

Engineering Model of
SOI-SOC MPU
with test board

Landing configuration of the
CALLISTO experimental vehicle

Research on the Space
Solar Power Systems (SSPS)The Space Solar Power Systems (SSPS) convert energy from solar rays to either microwave or
laser energy and transmit it from space to Earth for energy consumers. The system has thepotential to solve important challenges facing humanity in areas, such as energy, climatechange, and environmental conversion.
JAXA is conducting the following research with a view to realization in the mid-21st century.
・Research on wireless energy transmission technology using microwaves and laser beams
・Research on technologies common to systems such as technology for constructing large
space structure and space solar cell technology
Image of SSPS

Microgravity Experiments on Deployable Lightweight Panels

Mission image of DELIGHT

Project etc.

MOLI Multi-footprint Observation
LIDAR and Imager mission
This is a pre-project to conduct a technical demonstration of LIDAR observation technology on theInternational Space Station (ISS).
LIDAR is a radar that uses light to detect the object. The distance to the target can be measured
with high accuracy.
Since this technology enables observation of vertical distribution, which cannot be observed byordinary cameras, it is expected to contribute to the understanding of the amount (volume) offorests and the creation of high-precision 3D maps by accurately observing the height of forests
and the height of the ground.

Check here for the video

Multi-footprint Observation LIDAR and Imager mission (image)

Agile Research Program for
Advanced Technology inSatellite Service and Process

In-orbit processing of
the observation dataand sending of theprocessed data to Earthdetection of
the suspicious
ship

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SAR satelliteThis program aims to realize disruptive satellite
technology to enhance Japan's space service capability.
In order to achieve our goals, we utilize micro and small
satellites as technology demonstration platform, andemploys agile process to keep up with rapid technology
advancement. This program also focus on digitaltechnology as a key component for competitiveness ofJapanese space industry.

Cloudsprevent
observation
Optical satellite

Observationof the shipobservation
requestSAR satellite

Innovative Space Transportation Programs
We will promote the realization of a "Core Launch Vehicle Development
Space Transportation System" aiming at significant cost reduction and a"High Frequency Outbound Flight Space Transportation System" led by
the private sector, based on the "Innovative Space Transportation
Roadmap" established by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports,
Science and Technology (MEXT).
In addition, we will conduct the following annually based on the trend oftechnological research to ensure that the plan is properly implemented.
・Research on overseas trends and business feasibility
・Identification of technology issues through system studies andestablishment and updating of technology roadmaps.
・Establishment of a co-creation system through open innovation
between the space industry and other industries.

Project etc.

Self-directed planningof observation planand inter-satellite
cooperation

observation
requestResearch and Development Directorate
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
2-1-1, Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8505 Japan

JAXA Website

Research and Development Directorate Website

https://global.jaxa.jp/

https://www.kenkai.jaxa.jp/eng/

2024.04