An Unscheduled Journey: From Cosmic Rays into Cosmic X-Rays

Abstract

My research career began with cosmic-ray physics. Invited to the Netherlands, I was engaged in the measurement of cosmic-ray electrons. In parallel, we began balloon observations of the cosmic X-ray background. Coming back to Nagoya, we carried out rocket observations of soft X-rays with a thin polypropylene window. Since moving to the Institute of Space and Aeronautical Science (ISAS: later reorganized to the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science), I have been involved in several astronomical satellite programs, in particular X-ray astronomy missions. The main features and major results of those programs are mentioned. Features characteristic of the Japanese space program and the specific roles of ISAS are explained.