JAXA Statistics By Regular Staff, Missions and Number of Astronauts
Updated · Sep 24, 2024
WHAT WE HAVE ON THIS PAGE
- Introduction
- Editor’s Choice
- General Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Facts
- JAXA Organization
- JAXA Statistics by Regular Staff
- JAXA Statistics By Budget
- Total Number of Spacecraft Launches by JAXA
- JAXA Statistics by Missions Launched
- JAXA Research Centers by Location
- JAXA Statistics by Astronauts
- Other JAXA Astronaut Boarding Plan
- JAXA Statistics by Planned Launches
- JAXA Statistics: Budget and Workforce
- Beyond Numbers: The Impact of JAXA
- Conclusion
Introduction
JAXA Statistics (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency): The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, is a powerhouse in space exploration. JAXA isn’t just about Earth! They’ve sent missions to asteroids to collect samples and study the Moon. They even collaborate with other space agencies on the International Space Station (ISS).
This article includes all current trends and analyses of JAXA in 2023 and 2024 from different insights that will guide you effectively. Let’s delve into some interesting statistics to understand the scope of their achievements.
Editor’s Choice
- This organization was founded on October 1, 2003, and by the end of 2024, it will have celebrated 21 years of establishment.
- The JAXA merged with three aerospace institutions; the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA), the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), and the National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan (NAL).
- The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency became an Independent Administrative Agency maintained by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC).
- The initial budget of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency in 2023 was 155.4 billion Japanese yen ($0.98 billion).
- As of April 2015, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has become a National Research and Development Agency.
- JAXA, on its 10th anniversary in 2013, has created a corporate slogan (Explore to Realize).
- After its inauguration in 2003, the first launch of JAXAH-IIA No. 6 failed, but other H-IIA launches remained successful.
- JAXA Statistics further states that in February 2024, 47 of 48 H-IIA Flights launched successfully, and by the end of 2025, JAXA plans to launch around 50 H-IIA Flights.
- In 2023, only two spacecraft were launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, which has increased by 1 from 2022.
- On January 20, 2024, the JAXA landed the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) at 0:20 am JST.
You May Also Like To Read
- Mercury Statistics
- Saturn Statistics
- Lunar Exploration Statistics
- Earth Statistics
- Satellite Launch Statistics
- European Space Agency Statistics
- Space Tourism Statistics
- SpaceX Statistics
- ISRO Statistics
- International Space Station Statistics
- Mars Statistics
General Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Facts
- The JAXA is headquartered in Chōfu, Tokyo, Japan.
- JAXA uses the H-IIA rocket for the medium-lift launch vehicle. In 2023, the newly developed rocket H3 will replace the H-IIA and H-IIIB.
- Moreover, for smaller launches, JAXA uses the Epsilon rocket and the SS-520, S-520, and S-310 sounding rockets for experiments in the upper atmosphere.
- Active Fleet: JAXA boasts an impressive fleet of over 20 operational satellites, constantly gathering data and performing various missions.
- Earth Observation Satellites: JAXA is a leader in Earth observation. Their “GCOM” series of satellites, for instance, monitors weather patterns, climate change, and natural disasters.
- Scientific Spacecraft: JAXA ventures beyond Earth. Their “Hayabusa2” mission, for example, successfully collected samples from an asteroid and returned them to Earth for analysis, opening doors to studying the origins of our solar system.
- Global Partnerships: JAXA actively collaborates with international space agencies like NASA, ESA, and others. This teamwork allows for sharing of resources and expertise, pushing the boundaries of space exploration further.
- International Space Station (ISS): JAXA is a key partner in the ISS program. The Kibo module, a Japanese contribution, serves as a vital research and experimentation facility onboard the station.
JAXA Organization
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is segmented into 7 different bodies and their specialization:
- Space Technology Directorate I: (Allows in developing launch vehicles)
- Space Technology Directorate II: (Earth-observing satellites in charge)
- Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate: (Maintaining and helping in running all crewed spaceflight programs)
- Research and Development Directorate: (performs technological innovations and improvements that are required for aviation and spaceflight)
- Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS): (Head of all scientific satellites)
- The Aviation Program Group: (is focused on new technologies for further aviation)
- Space Exploration Innovation Hub Center (TansaX): (enable exploration of the solar system)
JAXA Statistics by Regular Staff
(Reference: statista.com)
- A report published by Statista on JAXA Statistics mentioned that, as of April 2023, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) had around 1600 regular staff members.
- The number of regular staff in JAXA was slightly less in previous years, such as 2022 (1,588), 2021 (1,575), 2020 (1,552), 2019 (1,546), 2018 (1,525), 2017 (1,529), 2016 (1,545), 2015 (1,542), and 2014 (1,531).
JAXA Statistics By Budget
(Reference: statista.com)
- Based on JAXA Statistics, in the fiscal year 2023, the initial budget of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency was 155.4 billion Japanese yen ($0.98 billion).
- Meanwhile, in 2022, the organization’s overall budget was 219.1 billion Japanese yen ($1.40 billion), segmented into an initial budget of 155.2 billion yen ($0.99 billion) and a supplementary budget of 63.6 billion yen ($0.41 billion)
Total Number of Spacecraft Launches by JAXA
(Reference: statista.com)
- According to JAXA Statistics, in 2023, only two spacecraft were launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, which increased by 1 from 2022.
- Furthermore, from 2005 to 2021, total number of spacecraft launches were 2005 (2), 2006 (6), 2007 (2), 2008 (3), 2009 (4), 2010 (2), 2011 (3), 2012 (2), 2013 (3), 2014 (4), 2015 (4), 2016 (4), 2017 (6), 2018 (6), 2019 (2), 2020 (4), and 2021 (2).
JAXA Statistics by Missions Launched
- On February 17, 2024, the JAXA organized three missions from the TNSC launch site: VEP-4, CE-SAT-IE, TIRSAT, and the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM).
- Meanwhile, the launch vehicle used for these missions was the second H3 (H3 TF2).
Other launch records of the mission are described in the table below (from 2003 to 2023):
Mission | Launch Date (JST) | Launch Vehicle | Launch Site |
Information Gathering Satellites (IGS) | November 29, 2003 | H-IIA F6 | TNSC |
Multi-Functional Transport Satellite-1 Replacement “Himawari-6” (MTSAT-1R) | February 26, 2005 | H-IIA F7 | TNSC |
X-ray Astronomy Satellite “Suzaku” (ASTRO-EII) | October 7, 2005 | M-V-6 | USC |
Advanced Land Observing Satellite “DAICHI” (ALOS) | January 24, 2006 | H-IIA F8 | TNSC |
Multi-functional Transport Satellite-2 “Himawari-7” (MTSAT-2) | February 18, 2006 | H-IIA F9 | TNSC |
Infrared Imaging Satellite “AKARI” (ASTRO-F) | February 22, 2006 | M-V-8 | USC |
IGS | September 11, 2006 | H-IIA F10 | TNSC |
Solar Physics Satellite “HINODE” (SOLAR-B) | September 23, 2006 | M-V-7 | USC |
Engineering Test Satellite VIII “KIKU No.8” (ETS-VIII) | December 18, 2006 | H-IIA F11 | TNSC |
IGS | February 24, 2007 | H-IIA F12 | TNSC |
SELenological and ENgineering Explorer “KAGUYA” (SELENE) | September 14, 2007 | H-IIA F13 | TNSC |
Wideband Inter networking engineering test and Demonstration Satellite “KIZUNA” (WINDS) | 32 February 2008 | H-IIA F14 | TNSC |
Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” Experiment Logistics Module | March 11, 2008 | Space Shuttle | KSC |
Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” Pressurized Module | June 1, 2008 | Space Shuttle | KSC |
Small Demonstration Satellite-1 (SDS-1) and Greenhouse Gases Observing SATellite “IBUKI” (GOSAT) | January 23, 2009 | H-IIA F15 | TNSC |
Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” Exposed Facility | July 16, 2009 | Space Shuttle | KSC |
H-II Transfer Vehicle “KOUNOTORI” (HTV Demonstration Flight) | September 11, 2009 | H-IIB TF1 | TNSC |
IGS | November 29, 2009 | H-IIA F16 | TNSC |
Small Solar Power Sail Demonstrator “IKAROS” and Venus Climate Orbiter “AKATSUKI” (PLANET-C) | May 21, 2010 | H-IIA F17 | TNSC |
Quasi-Zenith Satellite-1 “MICHIBIKI” | September 11, 2010 | H-IIA F18 | TNSC |
H-II Transfer Vehicle “KOUNOTORI”2 (HTV2) | January 22, 2011 | H-IIB F2 | TNSC |
IGS | September 23, 2011 | H-IIA F19 | TNSC |
IGS | December 12, 2011 | H-IIA F20 | TNSC |
Small Demonstration Satellite-4 (SDS-4) and Global Change Observation Mission – Water “SHIZUKU” (GCOM-W) | May 18, 2012 | H-IIA F21 | TNSC |
H-II Transfer Vehicle “KOUNOTORI”3 (HTV3) | July 21, 2012 | H-IIB F3 | TNSC |
IGS | January 27, 2013 | H-IIA F22 | TNSC |
H-II Transfer Vehicle “KOUNOTORI”4 (HTV4) | August 4, 2013 | H-IIB F4 | TNSC |
Spectroscopic Planet Observatory for Recognition of Interaction of Atmosphere “HISAKI” (SPRINT-A) | September 14, 2013 | Epsilon-1 | USC |
Global Precipitation Measurement / Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (GPM/DPR) | February 28, 2014 | H-IIA F23 | TNSC |
Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 “DAICHI-2” (ALOS-2) | May 24, 2015 | H-IIA F24 | TNSC |
Geostationary Meteorological Satellite “Himawari-8” | October 7, 2014 | H-IIA F25 | TNSC |
Asteroid Explorer “Hayabusa2” | December 3, 2014 | H-IIA F26 | TNSC |
IGS | February 1, 2015 | H-IIA F27 | TNSC |
IGS | March 22, 2015 | H-IIA F28 | TNSC |
H-II Transfer Vehicle “KOUNOTORI”5 (HTV5) | August 19, 2015 | H-IIB F5 | TNSC |
H-IIA UPGRADE / Telstar 12 VANTAGE | November 24, 2015 | H-IIA F29 | TNSC |
X-ray Astronomy Satellite “Hitomi” (ASTRO-H) | February 17, 2016 | H-IIA F30 | TNSC |
Geostationary Meteorological Satellite “Himawari-9” | November 2, 2016 | H-IIA F31 | TNSC |
H-II Transfer Vehicle “KOUNOTORI”6 (HTV6) | December 9, 2016 | H-IIB F6 | TNSC |
Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace (ERG) | December 20, 2016 | Epsilon-2 | USC |
X-band defense communication satellite-2 | January 24, 2017 | H-IIA F32 | TNSC |
IGS | March 17, 2017 | H-IIA F33 | TNSC |
Quasi-Zenith Satellite-2 “MICHIBIKI No. 2” | July 1, 2017 | H-IIA F34 | TNSC |
Quasi-Zenith Satellite-3 “MICHIBIKI No. 3” | August 19, 2017 | H-IIA F35 | TNSC |
Quasi-Zenith Satellite-4 “MICHIBIKI No. 4” | October 10, 2017 | H-IIA F36 | TNSC |
Global Change Observation Mission – Climate “SHIKISAI” (GCOM-C) and Super Low Altitude Test Satellite “TSUBAME” (SLATS) | December 23, 2017 | H-IIA F37 | TNSC |
NEC Small radar satellite “ASNARO-2” | January 18, 2018 | Epsilon-3 | USC |
IGS | February 27, 2018 | H-IIA F38 | TNSC |
IGS | June 12, 2018 | H-IIA F39 | TNSC |
H-II Transfer Vehicle “KOUNOTORI”7 (HTV7) | September 23, 2018 | H-IIB F7 | TNSC |
Mercury Exploration Mission “BepiColombo” | October 20, 2018 | Ariane 5 | Guiana |
Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite-2 “IBUKI-2” (GOSAT-2) | October 29, 2018 | H-IIA F40 | TNSC |
The Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstoration-1 | January 18, 2019 | Epsilon-4 | USC |
H-II Transfer Vehicle “KOUNOTORI”8 (HTV8) | September 25, 2019 | H-IIB F8 | TNSC |
IGS | February 9, 2020 | H-IIA F41 | TNSC |
H-II Transfer Vehicle “KOUNOTORI”9 (HTV9) | May 21, 2020 | H-IIB F9 | TNSC |
The Emirates Mars Mission(EMM) | July 20, 2020 | H-IIA F42 | TNSC |
Japanese Data Relay System “JDRS” | November 29, 2020 | H-IIA F43 | TNSC |
The Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstoration-2 | November 9, 2021 | Epsilon Launch Vehicle No. 5 | USC |
The Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-3 | October 7, 2022 | Epsilon Launch Vehicle No. 6 | USC |
Advanced Land Observing Satellite-3 “DAICHI-3” (ALOS-3) | March 7, 2023 | The first H3 Launch Vehicle (H3 TF1) | TNSC |
X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) and Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) | September 7, 2023 | H-IIA F47 | TNSC |
(Source: global.jaxa.jp)
JAXA Research Centers by Location
(Source: global.jaxa.jp)
JAXA’s Research Centers | Establishment Date | Location (Japan) |
Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC) | 1972 | Tsukuba Science City |
Chofu Aerospace Center (CAC) | 1962 | Chōfu, Tokyo, |
Sagamihara Campus (SC) | 1989 | Sagamihara, Kanagawa |
Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC) | 1969 | Southeast coast of Tanegashima |
Uchinoura Space Center (USC) | 1962 | On the Pacific coast of Kagoshima |
Kakuda Space Center (KSC) | 1965 | 1 Koganesawa, Kimigaya, Kakuda-shi, Miyagi |
Earth Observation Center (EOC) | 1978 | Hatoyama, Saitama |
Noshiro Rocket Testing Center (NRTC) | 1962 | Asanai, Noshiro-city, Akita |
Taiki Aerospace Research Field (TARF) | 1997 | Taiki Multi-Purpose Aerospace Park. |
Usuda Deep Space Center (UDSC) | 1984 | Usuda Town, Minami-saku |
Katsuura Tracking and Communications Station (KTCS) | 1968 | Katsuura, Chiba |
Masuda Tracking and Communications Station (MTCS) | 1974 | On Tanegashima Island in Kagoshima |
Okinawa Tracking and Communications Station (OTCS) | 1968 | 1712 Afuso Kinrabaru, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun |
Ogasawara Downrange Station (ODS) | 1975 | Ogasawara, Tokyo |
Nagoya Flight Research Center (NFRC) | – | 4520-4 Norifusa,Aoyama,Toyoyama-cho, Nishikasugai-gun, Aichi |
Regional Satellite Applications Center for Disaster Management (RSACDM) | – | Yamaguchi Prefectural Industrial Technology Institute |
Kamisaibara Space Guard Center (KSGC) | – | Kagamino-cho, Tomada-gun, Okayama |
Bisei Space Guard Center (BSGC) | 1999-2000 | Ookura, Bisei-cho, Ibara-shi, Okayama |
JAXA Statistics by Astronauts
(Source: global.jaxa.jp)
- Currently, only 5 active astronauts are present at JAXA with experience of long-term stays at the International Space Station (ISS) over 100 days: Furukawa Satoshi, Hoshide Akihiko, Yui Kimiya, Onishi Takuya, and Kanai Norishige.
- In recent years, six JAXA astronauts have retired and are working in different fields: Wakata Koichi, Noguchi Soichi, Mohri Mamoru, Makai Chiaki, Doi Takao, and Yamazaki Naoko.
- In 2025, Astronauts Onishi and Yui are each scheduled to join an expedition crew.
- Meanwhile, in Expedition 69 and 70, the Astronaut Furukawa (Crew 7 mission) was launched on August 26, 2023, and returned on March 12, 2024.
Other JAXA Astronaut Boarding Plan
Astronaut | Mission | Launched and Returned Date |
Wakata (Expedition 68) | Crew 5 | October 26, 2023 to March 12, 2023 |
Hoshide (Expedition 65 & 66) | Crew 2 | April 23, 2021 to November 9, 2021 |
Noguchi (Expedition 64 & 65) | Crew 1 | November 16, 2020 to May 2, 2021 |
JAXA Statistics by Planned Launches
Date and time | Launch site (Tanegashima) | Rocket | Mission |
June 30, 2024 | LA-Y2 | H3 | Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) |
Q3 2024 | LA-Y1 | H-IIA 202 | Information Gathering Satellite (IGS-Rader 8) |
2024 | LA-Y2 | H3 | DSN Corporation (DSN-3) |
2024 | LA-Y1 | H-IIA 202 | The Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite-2 (GOSAT-2) |
2024 | LA-Y2 | H3 | The Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS-5) |
2025 | LA-Y2 | H3-24L | New Space-Station Resupply Vehicle (HTV-X1) |
2025 | LA-Y2 | H3 | (QZSS-6) |
2025 | LA-Y2 | H3 | (QZSS-7) |
2025 | LA-Y2 | H3 | ETS-9 (Kiku-9) |
2026 | LA-Y2 | H3-24L | (HTV-X2) |
2026 | LA-Y2 | H3-24L | (HTV-X3) |
2026 | LA-Y2 | H3-24L | Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) |
2026 | LA-Y2 | H3 | IGS-Optical 9 |
2027 | LA-Y2 | H3 | IGS-Optical Diversification 2 |
2027 | LA-Y2 | H3 | JDRS-2 |
2028 | LA-Y2 | H3 | Himawari 10 |
2029 | LA-Y2 | H3 | IGS-Radar Diversification 1 |
2029 | LA-Y2 | H3 | IGS-Optical 10 |
2030 | LA-Y2 | H3 | IGS-Radar Diversification 2 |
2031 | LA-Y2 | H3 | IGS-Radar 9 |
2032 | LA-Y2 | H3 | IGS-Optical Diversification Successor |
2032 | LA-Y2 | H3 | LiteBIRD |
2033 | LA-Y2 | H3 | IGS-Radar 10 |
2033 | LA-Y2 | H3 | IGS-Optical 11 |
(Source: wikipedia.org)
JAXA Statistics: Budget and Workforce
- Budget: JAXA’s annual budget hovers around $2.3 billion (as of 2023). This accounts for roughly 2% of the global space agency budget, placing it behind the likes of NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).
- Workforce: JAXA employs over 5,000 people and a dedicated team that works on various space projects.
Launch Vehicles
- H-IIA Rocket: JAXA’s H-IIA rocket has been a reliable workhorse, boasting a success rate of over 97%. This versatile rocket has launched numerous satellites and spacecraft for JAXA and international partners.
- H3 Launch Vehicle: The next generation H3 rocket is designed to be more cost-effective and powerful, representing Japan’s continued investment in space launch capabilities.
Human Spaceflight
- Astronaut Corps: JAXA maintains a highly trained astronaut corps. These astronauts have participated in missions aboard the Space Shuttle and the ISS, conducting valuable research and contributing to the advancement of human spaceflight.
Looking to the Future
- Lunar Gateway: JAXA is looking towards the Moon. They are collaborating on the construction of the Lunar Gateway, a mini-space station that will serve as a critical hub for future lunar exploration missions.
- Martian Dreams: Mars exploration is also on the horizon. JAXA is involved in missions to study the Red Planet and pave the way for future human exploration.
Beyond Numbers: The Impact of JAXA
JAXA’s work extends beyond impressive statistics. Here are some key areas where their impact is felt:
- Disaster Management: JAXA’s Earth observation satellites provide vital data for disaster preparedness and response. Real-time information on weather patterns, floods, and earthquakes allows for better decision-making and saving lives.
- Climate Change Monitoring: JAXA’s satellites play a crucial role in monitoring the effects of climate change, providing data on global warming, deforestation, and rising sea levels.
- Scientific Advancement: JAXA’s space missions contribute significantly to scientific research. Their missions to asteroids and the Moon provide valuable insights into the formation of our solar system and the possibility of life beyond Earth.
- Technological Innovation: JAXA’s space endeavors drive technological advancements. The development of rockets, satellites, and spacecraft requires cutting-edge technologies that benefit other sectors, such as communication, navigation, and material science.
Conclusion
JAXA’s story is one of continuous innovation, international collaboration, and a dedication to pushing the boundaries of space exploration. While the numbers paint a clear picture of their achievements, the true impact lies in their contribution to scientific discovery, disaster preparedness, and the dream of a future where humanity reaches for the stars.
Sources
FAQ.
Yes, JAXA accepts foreigners, and it is not mandatory to have a Japanese citizen or permanent resident to apply.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is an executive organization that supports aerospace development and utilization by the Japanese government.
The JAXA is mainly focused on lightning strike protection of composite materials and particle ingestion into engines.
OHSUMI was first launched satellite on February 11, 1970, at 1:23 pm by L-4S Rocket No.5.
Maitrayee, after completing her graduation in Electrical Engineering, transitioned into the world of writing following a series of technical roles. She specializes in technology and Artificial Intelligence, bringing her experience as an Academic Research Analyst and Freelance Writer, with a focus on education and healthcare under the Australian system. From an early age, writing and painting have been her passions, leading her to pursue a full-time career in writing. In addition to her professional endeavors, Maitrayee also manages a YouTube channel dedicated to cooking.