ABOUT Our Concept and members
The JAXA Lunar and Planetary Exploration Data Analysis Group (JLPEDA) is a group that specializes in using lunar and planetary exploration data to perform analyses that contribute to scientific research, exploration, and investigations.
Purpose:
To help maximize the findings produced by lunar and planetary explorations such as KAGUYA by performing higher-level processing and analytical research, contributing to even higher-level research aimed at elucidating the origins and evolution of the Moon and planetary bodies, and contributing to strategies, planning, and technological research in lunar and planetary explorations.
Expert analysis in lunar and planetary science and exploration:
Products such as geological distribution maps used in higher-level research and in strategizing lunar and planetary explorations are some of the outputs of our work. Our targeted outcomes are for these products to be reflected in the content of new world-class research papers, and in strategic scenarios, R&D, and planning for independent explorations.
Data science that leverages big data:
The volume of lunar and planetary exploration data acquired by a single sensor has been rising from the terabytes to multiple petabytes in recent years, exceeding the volumes that individual researchers and projects can handle. That is expected to make it more difficult to communicate world-class scientific findings from Japan and to formulate independent exploration strategies and plans. We have the personnel and environment in place to facilitate higher-level processing and analysis on vast volumes of exploration data, including from other countries’ explorers.
Community collaborations:
As we accommodate needs in planetary science and exploration, information science, and for people in a wide range of other fields, we also engage in analytical research, provide products, and develop human resources from an international and long-term perspective.
JLPEDA members
View the profiles of our members.
SATO Hiroyuki
Group Leader
DutiesGroup operations, data analysis
SpecialtiesPlanetary topography (Doctor of Science), calibration of optical instrument data, phase angle correction
Previously performed Mars and lunar topography and spectral analysis based at locations in the US and France. He joined JAXA in 2017 and is currently in charge of lunar pole map production and group operations.
MIYAZAKI Risa
DutiesData preparation & analysis
SpecialtiesLunar science (Doctor of Science), satellite observation data analysis
Joined JAXA in 2014. Previously in charge of analyzing observation data from Global Change Observation Mission - Climate (GCOM-C) SHIKISAI at the Earth Observation Research Center and calibrating polarized observation sensors, she has been in charge of data analysis and MMX development support for Hayabusa2 and lunar polar exploration since mid-2019.
MURAKAMI Shin-ya
DutiesData archiving
SpecialtyGeophysical fluid dynamics, Doctor of Science
Preparing data archive for lunar and planetary exploration missions including Akatsuki and Hayabusa2.
INOUE Hiroka
DutiesLanding site analysis, path planning
SpecialtyControl engineering
In charge of analyzing landing sites in lunar polar regions and planning paths for pressurized rovers. She conducts collaborative research with universities using observation data of the Moon.
KINOSHITA Shinichi
DutiesData analysis
SpecialtyStar formation (Doctor of Science)
Joined JAXA in 2024. Previously investigated the initial stage of star formation using magnetohydrodynamics simulations.
YAMAMOTO Mitsuo
DutiesData preparation, analysis, archival research, development
SpecialtiesIT engineering, geographic information systems (GIS)
Investigates and emulates data preparation methods in other countries, develops analytical tools, and implements geographic information systems (GIS) among other responsibilities.
YAMADA Yoshihiko
DutiesArchiving
SpecialtiesAstronomy (Doctor of Science), archives
Now in charge of archiving planetary probe data.
NANBU Shingo
DutiesWeb GIS system development
SpecialtyIT systems development
Handling development for Web GIS systems and related tasks.
HONDA Kazuhiro
DutiesHayabusa2 Extended Mission
SpecialtyImage processing
Assisting in preparations to publish data from the Hayabusa2 Extended Mission and handling tasks such as development for data distribution systems, etc.
HEMMI Ryodo
DutiesData analysis
SpecialtyPlanetary geology, planetary exploration (PhD)
Conducts geologic and topographic mapping of planetary surfaces and analyzes data from planetary missions.
ORCID: 0000-0002-9638-6926
ICHIKAWA Mayumi
DutiesHayabusa2 Extended Mission
SpecialtyImage processing, geographic information systems (GIS)
Previously conducted analysis of Earth observation satellite data. Now supporting data preparation for the Hayabusa2 Extended Mission and development data distribution systems.
NAGAI Yuichiro
DutiesHayabusa2 Extended Mission
SpecialtyImage processing
Supporting data preparation for the Hayabusa2 Extended Mission.
ARAKI Ryotaro
DutiesData preparation & analysis
SpecialtyLunar science, Planetary volcanology (Doctor of Science)
Lunar geological analysis mainly using Kaguya mission data.
KONDO Miyuki
DutiesManaging equipment, general administrative including managing travel expenses.
SpecialtyFinances
Handles the group’s administrative-related procedures such as accounting and general affairs.
Advisors
OOTAKE Hisashi
SpecialtyPlanetary science (Doctor of Science)
OrganizationJapan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Joined the National Space Development Agency of Japan (now Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) in 1995. Previously leader of development, operations, and promoting data usage for the lunar orbiter KAGUYA (SELENE) program, development for the Hayabusa2 mission, and of the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) and JAXA Lunar and Planetary Exploration Data Analysis group (JLPEDA), he now serves as sub-project manager for the JAXA Space Exploration Center (JSEC) Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) project.
OHTAKE Makiko
DutiesSpectral analysis, geological analysis
OrganizationOkayama University
Involved in development for lunar exploration missions and observation instruments, including for the SLIM lunar lander project.