References

265. Japan Developing Advanced Spacecraft For Deep Space X-Ray, Radio Astronomy", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 27 August 1990, pp. 80-81.
266. M. Mecham, "Launch of X-ray Satellite Will Aid Big Bang Studies", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 1 March 1993, p.21.
267. Kyodo News Service, 20 February and 9 April 1993.
268. N. W. Davis, "Japan's ISAS Pursues 'Independent' Agenda", Aerospace America, July 1993, pp. 13-15.
269. M. Oda and Y. Tanoka, "Japan's Blossoming Space Science", Sky and Telescope, January 1987, pp. 7-11.
270. K.P. Dawson, "Japanese Launch Astro-D, Begin Orbital Tests of Satellite", Space News, 1-7 March 1993, p. 7.
271. The Institute of Space and Astronautical Science 1993, op. cit., pp. 8-9, 26.
272. "AXAF-S Sensor To Fly on Astro-E", Space News, 27 February - 5 March 1995, p. 17.
273. M. Mecham, "Japan Broadens Scope of Science Missions", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 20 March 1995, pp. 59-61..
Adapted from: Europe and Asia in Space 1993-1994, Nicholas Johnson and David Rodvold [Kaman Sciences / Air Force Phillips Laboratory]

Astro-D

Astro-D is a 420 kg spacecraft operating in LEO at a mean altitude of less than 600 km for a period of 5-6 years. With a 1.3 m diameter and a 4.7 m length (after telescope extension in orbit), Astro-D is an order of magnitude more sensitive than its predecessor and will scan the electromagnetic spectrum from 1 to 12 keV. The principal instruments are an American-supplied X-ray telescope with a CCD camera and a Japanese imaging gas scintillation proportional counter, sensitive to x-rays inthe 0.5-10.0 eV range. The solar arrays provideup to 0.6 kW for the mission which is expected to last through 1996 (References 265-271). Astro-E is scheduled for launch in 1999 to continue Japan's X-ray observations, again with an American sensor on board (References 272-273).

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Space

References

Astro-D