Takeshi Imamura Biography

The Akatsuki team prepares a second Venus orbit-insertion attempt using smaller attitude-control thrusters after loss of the main engine.

Akatsuki successfully enters Venus orbit five years after its first failed insertion attempt.

Akatsuki begins full-scale observations of Venus's atmosphere using ultraviolet, infrared and lightning instruments.

Akatsuki observations reveal a fast equatorial jet in Venus's lower-to-middle cloud layer, showing unexpected variability in atmospheric circulation.

Akatsuki observations reveal a giant streak-like cloud structure produced by large-scale atmospheric waves and high-latitude jets.

Analysis of Akatsuki data shows that thermal tides play a major role in maintaining Venus's atmospheric super-rotation.

Akatsuki infrared cloud tracking separates day and night circulation patterns and clarifies the role of thermal tides in Venus's atmosphere.

JAXA ends Akatsuki operations after more than eight years of Venus orbital observations and major advances in planetary meteorology.