Akari (satellite): Japan’s infrared space observatory
Akari (あかり, “light”) is a Japanese infrared space telescope launched in 2006 to perform an all-sky survey in near-, mid- and far-infrared, producing catalogs and maps used across infrared astronomy.
Overview
Akari (あかり, meaning "light"), also known before launch as ASTRO-F, is a Japanese satellite mission designed as an infrared observatory. Launched on February 22, 2006, the project was led by the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and international partners. Its primary goal was to perform an all-sky survey at near-, mid- and far-infrared wavelengths and to deliver photometric and imaging catalogs that improve on earlier surveys.
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Design and instruments
Akari carried a cryogenically cooled infrared telescope and a suite of instruments optimized for wide-area surveys and targeted observations. The payload combined imaging and spectroscopic capabilities, with detectors sensitive across multiple infrared bands. Principal instrument systems included an infrared camera and a far-infrared surveyor that enabled both point-source detection and mapping of extended emission. Technical descriptions and instrument summaries are available from the mission and instrument pages: instrument descriptions and a general satellite overview.
Launch and mission phases
The satellite was placed into Earth orbit on the stated launch date to begin its survey operations. A liquid-helium cryogen system cooled the telescope and detectors for the cold-phase observations that enabled far- and mid-infrared measurements. After cryogen depletion the mission continued in a warm or post-cryogenic phase, during which some near-infrared observations and calibration work were maintained. The operational timeline included coordinated survey scans and pointed observations aimed at creating uniform sky coverage and useful calibration products.
Scientific results and data products
Akari produced all-sky maps and source catalogs that have been used to study star formation, the interstellar medium, the population of infrared-bright galaxies, and debris disks around nearby stars. Its measurements complemented and extended results from earlier infrared surveys such as IRAS and provided data that bridged to later missions. Processed data, catalog releases and calibration documents have been distributed to the community through archival services and project portals; see the mission data and wavelength information pages for access details: infrared wavelength information and project repositories linked from the mission site.
Legacy and significance
Akari's wide-area, multi-band infrared survey remains a reference for many fields in astronomy. Its catalogs continue to support target selection, statistical studies of infrared populations, and cross-identification with surveys at other wavelengths. The mission advanced techniques in cryogenic optics, focal-plane instrumentation and wide-area scanning that informed subsequent infrared space telescopes.
Further information
For technical summaries, data access and mission documentation consult the project and archival pages: the main project portal (project page), detailed satellite and mission overview pages (satellite overview), launch and orbit information (launch/orbit details), institutional pages at ISAS and JAXA, and instrument and wavelength references (instrument descriptions, infrared wavelength information). Community archives and data centers also provide long-term access to processed Akari products (mission resources).
Questions and answers
Q: What is Akari?
A: Akari is a Japanese artificial satellite.
Q: When was Akari put into orbit?
A: Akari was put into orbit in 2006.
Q: Who launched Akari?
A: The Institute of Space and Astronautical Science and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched Akari.
Q: When was Akari launched?
A: Akari was launched on February 22, 2006.
Q: What was the primary mission of Akari?
A: The primary mission of Akari was as a space observatory to survey the entire sky in near-, mid- and far-infrared with its infrared telescope.
Q: What does the Japanese word "Akari" mean?
A: The Japanese word "Akari" means "light".
Q: What kind of observations was Akari designed to capture?
A: Akari was designed to capture near-, mid- and far-infrared observations with its infrared telescope.
Related articles
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Akari (satellite): Japan’s infrared space observatory Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/1770
Sources
- isas.ac.jp : "Catalogue of ISAS Missions"
- spacenews.com : "JAXA Hopes To Keep Akari Going Despite Power Failure,"