Subject line: Study of the Sun and the solar spots

Responsibility of the mission: NASA / JAXA

Date of launch: September 22nd, 2006.

End of mission: ongoing

 

Description

The HINODE mission was developed through a joint venture between the JAXA (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency) and the NASA and aims at studying the characteristics of the Sun and its motions. Launched on September 22nd, 2006, by the Uchinoura Space Centre of Kyushu, in Japan, the probe is working to provide a precious view of our star from an extremely close perspective and shed some light on the violent events involving its atmosphere, particularly on the solar spots giving birth to the extremely powerful blasting and solar storms. During its journey, it recorded the transit of Venus in front of its mother star, an annular eclipse, a portrait of the chromosphere, the comet Lovejoy and a solar explosion through the Solar Optical Telescope (SOT), the instrument aboard the probe.

 

Scientific goals

The probe is equipped with three main instruments: the Solar Optical Telescope (SOT), an optical telescope capable of tracking the magnetic fields created by the solar spots, which accumulate energy for eruptions; the X-Ray Telescope, an X-Ray telescope which is able to observe the gas captured in the magnetic plug of solar spots; and finally the Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer (EIS), a spectrometer for the extreme ultraviolet. The main goal of the three instruments is studying all the layers of the solar atmosphere.

‣ News

WEDNESDAY 26 MARCH 2025

Renewal of the collective bargaining agreement for Kenyan personnel at the Luigi Broglio Malindi Space Centre ‣

  The Luigi Broglio Space Centre (BSC) in Malindi hosted the final negotiation meeting today for the renewal of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (C.B.A) covering the period 2025–2028. Luca Vincenzo Maria Salamone, Director General of the Italian Space Agency (ASI), participated via videoconference, while the ASI negotiating delegation—comprising Alessandro Preti, Director of Human Resources; Dalila Sabato, Head of the Union Relations Service; Munzer Jahjah, Head of the Malindi Site; and Maurizio Toninelli from the Malindi Site—signed the new agreement alongside Antony Rajoro, Secretary General of the Kenya Scientific, Research, International, Technical and Institutions Workers Union (KRISTAIWU). Also present was Joseph Kagotho Muriithi, representing the Kenya Space Agency (KSA). Opening the meeting remotely, the Director General expressed appreciation for the efforts of both the Kenyan Union representatives and ASI’s negotiating team, stating: “Today is an important milestone for all of us. The signing of this Collective Bargaining Agreement strengthens the relationship between ASI and its employees. Over the next four years, this agreement will provide a foundation of clear and mutually agreed-upon guidelines, fostering a stable and harmonious work environment where everyone can contribute their best.” Alessandro Preti, ASI’s Director of Human Resources, emphasized the significance of the agreement, stating: “This agreement is a testament to the power of constructive dialogue and the pursuit of balanced solutions. Our goal remains to cultivate a strong and motivating workplace—one that values the dedication of its employees and ensures their contributions drive the success of our organization.” Both KRISTAIWU’s Secretary General and KSA’s representative expressed their satisfaction with the agreement reached. Following the signing, Munzer Jahjah, Head of the Malindi site (BSC), along with the rest of the ASI negotiating delegation and Union representatives, held a meeting with local BSC employees to present and explain the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

MONDAY 17 MARCH 2025

LuGRE: mission successfully completed ‣

The mission of the receiver has concluded, marking a significant achievement following the completion of the Blue Ghost lander’s mission MORE...

TUESDAY 04 MARCH 2025

LuGRE achieves historic lunar radionavigation milestone ‣

ASI - Agenzia Spaziale Italiana

The NASA-ASI receiver was powered on March 3 MORE...

TUESDAY 04 MARCH 2025

LuGRE achieves historic lunar radionavigation milestone ‣

The NASA - ASI receiver was powered on March 3 MORE...

FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2025

LuGRE sets another record: first GNSS signals detected in lunar orbit ‣

This recent operation demonstrated that the receiver could use GNSS signals even near the Moon
MORE...