The University of Tokyo · Physics and Astronomy
Professor Tatsuaki Okada's research lab specializes in planetary science and remote sensing, focusing on the in-situ and remote analysis of planetary bodies using spaceborne instruments. The lab is particularly active in developing and utilizing X-ray and thermal infrared spectrometers to investigate the composition, mineralogy, and thermo-physical properties of asteroids, especially C-type and S-type bodies. Key missions include Hayabusa and Hayabusa2, where the lab has contributed to understanding the surface characteristics and potential origins of primitive bodies in the inner asteroid belt. The research also emphasizes instrument innovation for deep-space exploration and planetary defense applications.
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
X-ray fluorescence spectrometry of asteroid 25143 Itokawa was performed by the x-ray spectrometer onboard Hayabusa during the first touchdown on 19 November 2005. We selected those data observed during relatively enhanced solar activity and determined average elemental mass ratios of Mg/Si = 0.78 +/- 0.09 and Al/Si = 0.07 +/- 0.03. Our preliminary results suggest that Itokawa has a composition consistent with that of ordinary chondrites, but primitive achondrites cannot be ruled out. Among ordin
The thermal infrared imager TIR onboard Hayabusa2 has been developed to investigate thermo-physical properties of C-type, near-Earth asteroid 162173 Ryugu. TIR is one of the remote science instruments on Hayabusa2 designed to understand the nature of a volatile-rich solar system small body, but it also has significant mission objectives to provide information on surface physical properties and conditions for sampling site selection as well as the assessment of safe landing operations. TIR is bas
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