Greetings from the Director
Our mission can be summarized in one phrase: connecting space and the ground. Satellites and spacecraft, no matter how successfully launched, rely on robust communication channels to fulfill their missions. Establishing and maintaining these connections is fundamental, serving as the backbone of modern space development. As the space industry accelerates at an unprecedented pace, the need for reliable tracking and communication infrastructure has never been greater. JAXA Space Tracking and Communications Center, foreseeing such a future, was established in October 1969 during the era of NASDA*1, the predecessor of JAXA, making it one of the earliest organizations to operate within JAXA.
Our core operations are built upon three main pillars. The first is the operations, development, and maintenance of the necessary facilities, including antennas, for satellite and spacecraft tracking and control via radio signals. This also involves the development of the required technologies and systems. Another critical aspect is the establishment of a global network in collaboration with international organizations to ensure seamless tracking and control across borders. Lastly, with the rapid advancement of space development, addressing the growing challenge of space debris has become an increasingly important responsibility for our center.
One of our recent activities and achievements includes the launch of operations for a ground station*2 capable of using the Ka-band*3, a new frequency. This station is designed to receive the vast amount of mission data from ALOS-4*4, which was launched in July 2024. Additionally, the 54-meter antenna in Misasa, Saku city, Nagano prefecture, which has been in operation since 2023, has now transitioned into full-scale operations following rigorous trials and testing. We have also begun interoperability support with international organizations such as NASA*5and ESA*6. Furthermore, the development phase of our Space Situational Awareness (SSA*7) system has been successfully completed, and full-fledged operations are now underway. In consideration of collaboration with the national SSA initiatives, we are actively engaged in discussions on the future advancement of this technology.
One of our advanced initiatives focuses on the development of communication technologies that serve as a kind of “space internet,” enabling interconnectivity among satellites, probes, and lunar bases used in lunar and planetary exploration. Our center is currently taking the lead in this effort, working in collaboration with private companies to develop international protocols, establish standards, and conduct verification experiments. As we advance to the next generation of exploration missions to Mars and the Moon, where communication blackouts will occur due to the lack of direct contact from Japan, the importance of collaboration with international organizations such as NASA, ESA, CNES*8 will continue to grow. In building an international cooperation framework, standardization of each organization’s methods and communication protocols will be crucial. We are currently engaged in discussions with various organizations on how to establish a global tracking network.
On the other hand, one challenge we face is that our center has been active for over 50 years, and as a result, our facilities have become outdated. Replacing these with new equipment is an urgent task. Beyond just upgrading the facilities, we aim to retain the strengths of our established operational systems while incorporating more efficient methods, such as collaborating with private companies, to speed up processes. For example, we would like to advance the automation of ground station operations where possible, and we are also envisioning the ideal state of the central control room at the Tsukuba Space Center for space utilization in the next 10 to 15 years.
In recent years, JAXA has seen an increase in collaborations with universities and companies. We want to further cultivate the atmosphere within the Space Tracking and Communications Center, incorporating more external ideas and perspectives to take on new challenges. Additionally, we aim to provide a supportive environment for younger staff, offering opportunities to participate in international conferences and meetings with space agencies, allowing them to gain a wide range of experiences.
The work at the Space Tracking and Communications Center may not have the glamour of rocket launches or deep space exploration, but it operates 24/7, supporting space development by keeping the antennas active all year round. In today’s world, with technologies like GPS, life on Earth is deeply connected to space. I hope that more people will come to understand that our work is not only vital for space exploration but also supports our everyday lives.
I would also like to convey to young people studying in high school and university that the opportunities for success are not limited to Earth; space is also a field where you can make a difference. If anyone is interested in working in space, I encourage them to keep our center as a potential future option in mind, and to continue honing their areas of expertise.
*1 NASDA: National Space Development Agency of Japan. An organization established on October 1,1969, which was the predecessor to JAXA, originally part of the former Ministry of Science and Technology.
*2 Ground Station: A facility that includes antennas for transmitting and receiving radio waves, along with associated equipment like drive systems, transmitter/receiver, and power supplies.
*3 Ka-band: A frequency band within the microwave spectrum, ranging from 26.5 to 40 GHz. It is suitable for high-efficiency, large-volume data transmission.
*4 ALOS-4: A radar satellite that maintains the high spatial resolution of Daichi 2 (ALOS-2) and expands the observation width by four times. It plays a crucial role in post-disaster situation assessment, early detection of anomalies like volcanic activity, ground subsidence, and landslides.
*5 NASA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The United States government agency responsible for planning and implementing space exploration and development programs.
*6 ESA: European Space Agency, established in 1975 as a cooperative organization among European countries. It currently has 22 member states.
*7 SSA: Space Situational Awareness refers to the monitoring of space debris, including defunct satellites, rocket remnants, and collision fragments. By observing these objects, SSA helps determine their orbits and predict potential close approaches with active satellites.
*8 CNES: Centre National d'Études Spatiales. The French National Center for Space Studies. Established in 1961, it is a government agency responsible for space exploration and development research in France and plays a central role within ESA.
