Nano-JASMINE

JAXA Nano-JASMINE (Nano-Japan Astrometry Satellite Mission for INnovative uses of Enhanced precision) is a space mission developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) with the objective of measuring the positions and motions of stars with unprecedented accuracy. In this article, we will cover the launching date, the objectives of the mission, how it works, the cost, and the achievements of the mission.

Launching Date

Nano-JASMINE was launched on January 19, 2022, by the Epsilon-4 rocket, which is a solid-fueled rocket designed to launch small satellites. The launch took place from the Uchinoura Space Center in Kagoshima, Japan. After its launch, the satellite was put into a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of about 1,500 kilometers above the Earth's surface.

Objectives of the Mission

Nano-JASMINE aims to improve our understanding of the structure and dynamics of the Milky Way Galaxy by measuring the positions and motions of stars with unprecedented accuracy. By measuring the parallax and proper motion of stars, Nano-JASMINE can determine their distances and three-dimensional motions.

The mission's primary objective is to achieve astrometric accuracy of 10 microarcseconds (μas), which is ten times more precise than previous astrometry missions, such as the European Space Agency's Gaia mission. Achieving this level of accuracy will allow Nano-JASMINE to measure the positions and motions of stars up to a distance of 10,000 light-years from the Earth.

Another objective of the mission is to test new technologies and techniques for future astrometry missions, such as the ESA's Gaia-2 mission, which is scheduled for launch in the mid-2020s.

How it Works

Nano-JASMINE is equipped with a 5-centimeter aperture telescope and a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera with a resolution of 4096 x 4096 pixels. The telescope is designed to observe stars in the visible and near-infrared spectra.

The satellite operates in a sun-synchronous orbit, which means that it passes over the same point on the Earth's surface at the same local time each day. This orbit allows the satellite to observe stars in a consistent lighting condition, which is essential for accurate astrometry.

To measure the positions and motions of stars, Nano-JASMINE uses a technique called astrometry, which involves measuring the apparent positions of stars on the sky and comparing them with their positions in a reference catalog. By measuring the difference between the apparent and reference positions, Nano-JASMINE can determine the parallax and proper motion of stars.

The satellite's observations are transmitted to a ground station in Japan, where they are processed to produce a catalog of stellar positions and motions.

Cost

The total cost of the Nano-JASMINE mission is estimated to be around 10 billion yen (approximately 90 million USD). This cost includes the development, launch, and operation of the satellite.

Achievements

Nano-JASMINE has already achieved some significant milestones since its launch in January 2022. In March 2022, the satellite successfully completed its initial checkout phase and started its scientific observations.

In April 2022, JAXA announced that Nano-JASMINE had achieved astrometric accuracy of 20 microarcseconds (μas), which is twice as precise as the initial goal of 40 μas. This achievement is a significant milestone for the mission and demonstrates the capabilities of the satellite's technology and instruments.

Nano-JASMINE is expected to continue its observations for at least two years, during which it will produce a catalog of stellar positions and motions with unprecedented accuracy. The data from the mission will be used to improve our understanding of the structure and dynamics of the Milky Way Galaxy, including the distribution of dark matter and the formation and evolution of stars and galaxies.

The high-precision measurements of stellar motions and distances obtained by Nano-JASMINE will also have practical applications in various fields, including navigation, satellite positioning, and the detection of exoplanets. The data may also help to identify potential targets for future astrophysical missions, such as the search for gravitational waves and the study of cosmic rays.

Overall, the Nano-JASMINE mission represents a significant advance in astrometry and space technology, with the potential to deepen our understanding of the universe and its evolution. Its achievements and discoveries will undoubtedly inspire and inform future astrometry missions, paving the way for further breakthroughs in the field of astrophysics.