Astrophysics missions of Japan Original Research Article

The Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, Japan is operating three astrophysics missions, Yohkoh, ASCA and HALCA, as of the middle of 2000. At the same time, two astrophysical satellites, Astro-F and Solar-B are under development, and Astro-EII satellite is about to start developing as a re-challenge mission of Astro-E which failed to be carried into a stable orbit on Feb. 10, 2000. These six missions are briefly reviewed.