Foreword

The 21st International Congress on Instrumentation in Aerospace Simulation Facilities, hosted by Tohoku University and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), continues a series of biennial congresses known as the ICIASF. Since 1964, the previous congresses have provided an important forum for an international group of scientists and engineers interested in advancing the state of knowledge in instrumentation and techniques, used in all types of aerospace simulation facilities and in-flight tests. Indeed, many new techniques and ideas which first emerged at past congresses are now embodied in current measurement systems. Now entering a new century of aeronautical and space technology, requirements for instrumentation in aerospace simulation facilities have become more complicated and wide-ranging. There is a need for more accurate sensors for critical aerodynamic tests and more efficient mapping techniques for surface or flow field measurements. The development of measurement techniques for highly unsteady flows also remains a challenging domain for the future researches. It is time for us to tackle these issues as community by utilizing our expertise as well as the latest knowledge of advanced technologies including information technology and nano/micro-technology.