StarringKamaal Rashid KhanKrishna AbhishekHrishitaa BhattGracy SinghZulfi SyedAman Verma

Music byNikhil - Vinay

Release dates 14November2008

Running time139 minutes

CountryIndia

LanguageHindi

Deshdrohiis a BollywoodHindifilm. It was produced byKamaal Rashid Khan. It starred Kamaal Rashid Khan withKrishna Abhishek,Hrishitaa Bhatt,Gracy SinghandZulfi Syed.Internet Movie Database(IMDb) rating is 1.7/10.[1]Contents[hide] 1Plot 2Controversy 3References 4External linksPlot[edit]The theme of the film Desh Drohi consists of politics, prostitution, pimp business, and corruption. At the start of the film a man named Raja arrives in Mumbai from uttar Pradesh searching for a watchmans job, after leaving his father and both neighbour and sweetheart, Neha, behind in his village in uttar Pradesh.In Mumbai Raja meets Shekhar,the gangster, who works as a watchman and a pimp, and Sonia, who works for Baba Kadam, a drug dealer. At one point Raja helps Sonia escape from an attack by a group working for another drug dealer called Rajan Nayak, the enemy of Baba Kadam. The two eventually fall in love.After realizing that living in Mumbai is particularly difficult for North Indians, Raja petitions Shrivastav, a North Indian politician who exploits common people for his political career, for help. The drug mafia of Mumbai city is assisted by politicians and the media want to reveal the corruption prevalent in the city.Due to his involvement, Raja is marked for death by Rajan Nayak, who contracts a police inspector to kill both him and Sonia. However he fails and is killed. The police pursue Raja and Sonia, who are also running from Rajan Nayak. Raja attempts to get help from Shrivastav, to no avail, and even Sonia's boss, Baba Kadam, abandons the pair.Pushed to the limit, Raja resolves to kill all involved, in which he is helped by Inspector Rohit Raghav, the new husband of Raja's village sweetheart, to kill Srivastva.How Raja and Sonia will escape law and teach the criminals a lesson is the story of the film.[2]Controversy[edit]There were accusations that the movie was cashing in on the2008 attacks on North Indians in Maharashtra. The head of the Mumbai office of Central Board of Film Certification has opined that the movie has scenes that were derogatory to a particular community.[3]Maharashtra Navnirman Senahas expressed their protests against the movie. The Mumbai police served a notice for a special screening to find any objectionable content that might trigger unrest. Due to the protests and problems with exhibitors, the release date of the movie was postponed by a week from the original date of November 7.[4][5][6]The movie was released on 14 November, except inMaharashtra, where it was banned by the state government for 60 days under the Bombay Cinema Regulation Act. The producers of the film petitioned theBombay High Courtto lift the ban on the movie.[7]After a two-month ban it released on 23 January 2009 inMaharashtra.

KarnaFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaThis article is about aheroin theHinduepic, theMahbhrata. For other uses, seeKarna (disambiguation).

Karna

Karna in battle

Spouse(s)Vrushali

ChildrenVrishasena, Chitrasena, Satyasena, Sushena, Shatrunjaya, Dvipata, Banasena, Prasena and Vrishaketu

Parent(s)Adhiratha(father)Radha(mother)

Karna(Sanskrit: ,IASTtransliteration:Kara), originally known asVasusena, is one of the central characters in the Hindu epicMahbhrata, from ancient India. He was the King ofAnga(present dayBhagalpurandMunger). Karna was one of the greatest warrior whose martial exploits are recorded in the Mahbhrata and the only warrior believed to be able to defeat Arjuna in battle, an admiration expressed byLord KrishnaandBhishmawithin the body of this work.[1]Karna was the only warrior in the Mahabharata who single handedly successfully conducted Digvijay Yatra,conquering all kings in every direction in order to establishDuryodhanaas the emperor of the world and to conduct the Vaishnava sacrifice.[2]Karna was the son ofSurya(asolar deity) andKunti. He was born to Kunti before her marriage with Pandu. Karna was the closest friend ofDuryodhanaand fought on his behalf against thePandavas(his brothers) in the famousKurukshetra war. Karna fought against misfortune throughout his life and kept his word under all circumstances. Many admire him for his courage and generosity. It is believed that Karna founded the city ofKarnal, in present Haryana.[3]Karna,Mahabali,Harishchandraare the three most famous personalities in Hinduism based on the merits they earned by giving charity.They are often quoted for their sacrifice,courage,charity,valour and selflessness they exhibited for helping a fellow beingContents[hide] 1Etymology 2Story 2.1Birth, education and curses 2.2Friendship with Duryodhana 2.3Hostilities with Pandavas 2.4Prelude to war 2.5Kurukshetra war 2.6Karna Parva 2.7Ascension to svarga 3Karna's family 4Themes and analysis 5Secondary literature and media 5.1Literature 5.2Film and theater 6In popular culture 7References 7.1Notes 7.2Bibliography 8Further reading 9External linksEtymologyThe name he became renowned in the epic was Karna meaning the cutter or peeler of his own skin/natural armor.Karna's other names according toMahabharataare: Radheya - Son of Radha Vaikarthana - The one who gave away his impenetrable natural armour & earrings toIndra. Also mean the one who is related to or belonging to theHindusolar deity,Surya Rashmirathi - One who rides the chariot of light Vasusena - Birth name meaning the one born with wealth,ie, golden Kavacha Kundala (natural armour and ear rings). Suryaputra - Son ofSurya Parashurama Shishya - Disciple ofParashurama Angaraj - King of Anga Vijaya Dhari - One who wields the celestial bow Vijaya Adhirathi - Son of Adhiratha Daanveer - The hero possessing undying charitable nature; Daanshoor - One who fought like a true warrior Vrisha - One who is truthful in speech, engaged in penances, observant of vows, kind even to enemies. Vrisha also means bull, and Karna was referred to as bull among warriors by Vyasa) Souta - Son of Suta or belonging to charioteer caste Kaunteya - Son ofKuntiStoryBirth, education and curses

Surya, father of Karna, the Hindu Sun god.As a young womanKunti, the princess of theKunti Kingdom, had been granted a boon by sageDurvasato be able to invoke any deity to give her a child. Eager to test the power, while still unmarried, she called upon the solar deitySuryaand was handed a son Karna wearing armour (Kavacha) and a pair of earrings (Kundala). Afraid of being an unwed mother Kunti, placed the baby in a basket and set him afloat on a river. The child was found byAdhiratha, a charioteer ofKing DhritarashtraofHastinapur. Adhiratha and his wifeRadharaised the boy as their own son and named himVasusena. He also came to be known asRadheya, the son of Radha.Karna became interested in the art of warfare and approachedDronacharya, an established teacher who taught the Kuru princes. But he refused to take Karna as his student, since Karna was not aKshatriya. After being refused by Dronacharya, Karna with his brother Shona's help started his own's education and appointed the sun god as his guru. But, Karna wanted to learn advanced skills of archery and hence he decided to learn fromParashurama, Dronacharya's own guru.[4]As Parshurama only taught to Brahmins, Karna appeared before him as a Brahmin. Parashurama accepted him and trained him to such a point that he declared Karna to be equal to himself in the art of warfare and archery. On a day towards the end of his training Karna happened to offer Parashurama his lap so his guru could rest his head and nap. But while Parashurama was asleep, a bee stung Karna's thigh and despite the pain, Karna did not move, so as not to disturb his guru's sleep.In some versions,LordIndrabecame afraid of the fighting prowess of Karna and he himself took the form of a bee and stung Karna's thigh in order to benefit his sonArjuna.[5]With blood oozing from his wound, Parashurama woke up at once deduced that Karna was not a Brahmin. Parashurama, who had sworn to teach Brahmins only, laid curse upon Karna that he would forget all the knowledge required to wield the divine weaponBrahmanda astra, at the moment of his greatest need. Upon Karna's pleading, Parshurama gave him the celestial weapon calledBhargavastra, along with his personal bow calledVijaya (bow), for being such a diligent student.Karna was also cursed by a Brahmin for killing his cow while practising his skills with bow and arrows. The Brahmin got angry and cursed him that he would become helpless in the same way the innocent cow had become, by his chariot wheels getting stuck in the ground.[6]Folklore fromAndhra Pradeshfurther relates that Karna once encountered a child who was crying over her pot of spiltghee. On asking her the reason for her dismay, she stated that she feared that her stepmother would be angry over her carelessness. Refusing to take new ghee from Karna, the child insisted that she wanted the same ghee. Taking pity on her, Karna took the soil mixed with ghee in his fist and squeezed it with all his might, so that the ghee dripped back into the pot. During this process, Karna heard the agonized voice of a woman. When he opened his fist, he realized that the voice was that ofBhoomidevi, the Earth goddess. She furiously chastised Karna for inflicting enormous pain on Mother Earth for the sake of a mere child and cursed him that at a very crucial moment in battle, his chariot wheel would be trapped as tightly as he had held that fistful of soil.[citation needed]Friendship with Duryodhana

The coronation of KarnaTo display the skills of the Kuru princes, guru Dronacharya arranged a friendly tournament. His studentArjuna, third of thePandavabrothers, was shown to be a particularly gifted archer. Karna arrived at this tournament uninvited and surpassing Arjuna's feats, challenged him to a duel.Kripacharyarefused Karna his duel, asking first for his clan and kingdom; for according to the rules of duelling, only a prince could challenge Arjuna to a duel and due to his low birth, Karna was not allowed to fight Arjuna.He was further insulted by Bhima by comparing him to a stray dog, for his mixed caste and lineage. This incident marks the beginning of a feud between Karna and Pandavas.[7][8]Duryodhana, the eldest of the one-hundred sons of the kingDhritarashtra, knew that his cousins Pandavas were better at warfare. Seeing Karna as a chance to get on even terms with them he immediately offered Karna the throne of the kingdom ofAnga, making him a king and hence eligible to fight a duel with Arjuna.[9]Neither of them knows that Karna is in fact Kunti's oldest son, born to (sun god) Surya. When Karna asked him what he could do to repay him, Duryodhana told him that all he wanted was his friendship.[10]Karna was a loyal and true comrade to Duryodhana. He helped him while he took PrincessBhanumati (Mahabharata)of Kalingas in chariot to marry by battling with the rest of the suitors (many legendary rulers like Shishupala, Jarasandh, Bhishmaka, Vakra, Kapotaroman, Nila, Rukmi, Sringa, Asoka, Satadhanwan etc attended the ceremony) and easily defeated the pursuing Kings, who dejected and abandoned their pursuing after seeing his fighting prowess of Karna to protect his friend . Following his accession to the throne of Anga, Karna took an oath that anyone who approached him with a request, when he worshipped the sun, would not leave empty-handed.Hostilities with PandavasKarna was a suitor forDraupadiat her swayamvara, or her choosing of a marriage partner. Unlike most other contenders, he was easily able to wield and string the bow, but Draupadi refused to allow him to take part,rejecting him for being a "suta-putra" - son of a charioteer.The entire kings and the assembled people insulted Karna for his low birth and onlyDuryodhanasupported and argued for Karna. The Pandavas were also present in the swayamvara, disguised as Brahmins. Following the failure of the other princes,Arjunastepped into the ring and successfully hit the target, winning Draupadi's hand.After the marriage was over, the assembled Kings in the swayamvara argued that a Brahmin cannot attend the swayamvara and they took their weapons and attackedArjunadisguised as Brahmin. Arjuna fought with all the assembled kings and defeated them easily except Karna. Karna entered the battle field to protect his friedDuryodhanaand terrible battle was fought between Karna and Arjuna who was disguised as Brahman. Karna never knew that the Brahman was Arjuna and this was the first time when these two ace archers fought each other.But Arjuna recognized Karna and the two Maharatha's fought each other. The battle was so intense that sky was filled with arrows and visibility was lost in the cloud of arrows.With both archers not gaining upper hand,they turn to use celestial weapons and sky and earth trembled due to the usage of celestial weapons.With battle continued neither of them gaining upper hand news came to Karna that his nine year old son Sudama was dying. Karna praised the skill of the Brahmin and compared it with the skill of Drona or Kripa. Not being intreseted in doing the sin of Brahmahatya i.e hurting or killing a Brahmin,which is considered as a grave sin as per scriptures Karna withdrew from the fight and rushed to his son Sudama.It was then revealed that Sudama was hit by an arrow send by the Brahmin warrior when fighting earlier with the other kings.The bystander, nine year old Sudama was deeply hurt by Arjuna's arrows and died in the hands of Karna.When Arjuna's identity was later revealed, Karna's feelings of hostile rivalry with him further intensified and sworn to kill Arjuna and his family.AfterShakuniwon a game of dice by trickery, Draupadi, now queen to all five sons of King Pandu, including Arjuna, was dragged into the court byDushasana.Duryodhanaand his brothers attempted to strip her. Karna insulted Draupadi by saying that a woman with more than four husbands is nothing but a whore and that the Pandavas were all like sesame seeds removed from the kernel and she should now find some other husbands. On the spot, Bhima, another of the Pandava brothers, vowed that he would personally slaughter Duryodhana and his brothers in battle. Arjuna subsequently swore to kill Karna.[11]Later after Pandavas were in exile, Karna took up the task of establishing Duryodhana as the Emperor. He commanded army that marched to different parts of the country to subjugate kings and made them swear allegiance to Duryodhana, the king ofHastinapuror else die in battle. In this military adventure, Karna waged wars and reduced to submission numerous kingdoms including those of theKambojas, theShakas, theKekayas, the Avantyas, theGandharas, theMadarakas, the Trigartas, the Tanganas, thePanchalas, the Videhas, the Suhmas, theAngas, theVangas, the Nishadas, theKalingas, the Vatsa, theAshmakas, theRishikasand numerous others includingmlecchasand the forest tribes.[12]Prelude to warThePandavaelder brotherYudhisthiraalways considered Karna as the foremost warrior in the world.[13]Bhishma,Drona,Ashwatthamaand the illustriousKripa,are masters of all celestial weapons and devoted to the practice of virtue. I think they are incapable of being vanquished even by gods led by Vasava himself. There is again amongst them that mighty warrior Karna,impetuous, and ever wrathful, master of all weapons, and invincible, and encased in impenetrable mail.Without first vanquishing in battle all those foremost of men, unaided as thou art, how canst thou slayDuryodhana? O Vrikodara, I cannot sleep thinking of the lightness of hand of that Suta's son, who, I regard, is the foremost of all wielders of the bow!

Following failed peace negotiations with Duryodhana, Krishna is driven back to the Pandavas by Karna. Krishna then revealed to Karna that he is the eldest son of Kunti, and therefore, technically, the eldest Pandava. Krishna implored him to change sides and assures him that Yudhisthira would give the crown of Indraprastha to him; Draupadi who rejected him earlier will become his wife. Shaken from the discovery, Karna still refuses these offers over Duryodhana's friendship. Krishna is saddened, but appreciating Karna's sense of loyalty, accepted his decision, promising Karna that his lineage would remain a secret. In addition, Karna was elated to learn that his true father was none other than Surya.[14]Indra, the king of the (Devas) and the father of Arjuna, realized that Karna would be invincible in battle and unable to be killed as long as he had his kavach and kundal. He approaches Karna as a poor Brahmin during Karna's sun-worship. Surya warned Karna of Indra's intentions, but Karna thanked Surya and explained that he was bound by his word and could not send anyone from his door empty-handed. When Indra approaches, Karna reveals that he knew the Brahmin's true identity but assured that he would never turn anyone away. Cutting the armor and earrings off his body, Karna handed them to Indra. For Karna's generosity Indra decided to reward him and Karna asked for Indra's powerful weapon, the Vasavi shakti. Indra granted the boon, with the stipulation that Karna could only use the weapon once.As war approached, Kunti met Karna and in desperation to keep her children alive asked Karna to join the Pandavas. But Karna denies the offer again. Knowing that Arjuna was under the divine aegis of Krishna he would be invincible. Knowing that Karna will fight against Arjuna with a motive to kill, Kunti extracted couple of promises from Karna that he will not kill any of the Pandavas and against Arjuna he will not use a same celestial weapon twice. This particular request by Kunti as suggested by Lord Krishna led to the death of Karna in the war as he did not use Nagastra and Rudra-astra twice against Arjuna. Lord Krishna knew that Lord Parasurama gifted entire celestial weapons to Karna and Arjuna don't have any counter to many of these weapon. Karna requested his mother to keep their relationship a secret till his death as pandava brothers will not fight against their own brother if she reveals the truth to them, due to dharma and after his death she is supposed to reveal his birth identity to everyone and also promised that at the end of war she would still have five sons.Kurukshetra war

Karna (left) kills Ghatotkacha (centre) as Arjuna (right) watches

Yudishthira wrestling with Karna

Arjuna kills KarnaBhishma was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Kaurava army. But giving the reason that Karna had humiliated Draupadi and disrespected his guru Parshuram, Bhishma refused to take him in the Kaurava army. He secretly knew of Karnas lineage and hence did not want him to fight his own brother. Only after Bhishma fell on the eleventh day did Karna enter the war. Dronacharya took the commander-in-chief position on twelfth day and the thirteenth day ended with Abhimanyus (Arjuns son) death in the specially organizedChakravyuha/Padmavyuha formation.Uncharacteristically, the battle on fourteenth day extended into the dark hours. Taking advantage of that, Krishna introducedGhatotkacha, Bhimas half-Asurason, as asuras gained extraordinary power at night time. Ghatotkachas destroyed the Kaurava force and also injured Dronacharya. Seeing the desperate situation, Karna used his Vasava Shakti, that was the boon from Indra, against Ghatotkacha, thus killing him. Krishna however was pleased with the fact that the powerful weapon could not be used against Arjuna in future as Karna had only one chance to use it.Later Lord Krishna told Satyaki that he always applied his maya or illusion on Karna inorder to proctect Arjuna from Karna's celestial weapons.[15]I,however always used to stupefy the son of Radha.It was for this that he did not hurl the dart at Pandu's son,owning white steeds.As long as I could not baffle that means of Phalguna's death,I had neither sleep,nor joy in my heart,O foremost of warriors!.Beholding that dart,therefore,rendered futile through Ghatotkacha,O bull amongst the Sinis(Satyaki),I regarded Dhananjaya today to have been rescued from within the jaws of Death.It was for this that I had despatched the Rakshasa unto Karna for battle.None else was capable of withstanding, in the night, Karna in battle.

Karna Parva

Karna's wheel is stuckKarna Parva, the eighth book of the Mahbhrata, describes sixteenth and seventeenth days of the Kurukshetra war where post Dronacharyas death Karna took over as the commander-in-chief. Anticipating a likely battle to the death between Karna and Arjuna, Krishna warned Arjuna calling Karna to be the foremost of the heroes.[16][17]Hear in brief, O son of Pandu! I regard the mighty Karna as thy equal, or perhaps, thy superior! In energy he is equal to fire. As regards speed, he is equal to the impetuosity of the wind. In wrath, he resembles the Destroyer himself. Endued with might, he resembles a lion in the formation of his body. He is eight ratnis in stature. His arms are large. His chest is broad. He is invincible. He is sensitive. He is a hero. He is, again, the foremost of heroes. He is exceedingly handsome. Possessed of every accomplishment of a warrior, he is a dispeller of the fears of friends. No one, not even the Gods with Vasava at their head, can slay the son of Radha. No one possessed of flesh and blood, not even the Gods fighting with great care, not all the warriors (of the three worlds) fighting together can vanquish the son of the chariot-rider.

As promised to Kunti, Karna aimed at killing only Arjuna. On the sixteenth day, he fought with all the Pandava brothers but Arjuna and spared each one of them. After defeating them, he ordered his charioteer Shalya to move towards Arjuna. He used Nagastra, the same celestial weapon that was used by Indrajith against Rama inRamayana, in an attempt to kill Arjuna, but Krishna saved Arjuna from certain death by lowering their chariot wheel into the earth. Karna and Arjuna then waged a rough war against each other. As promised to Kunti, Karna used a celestial weapon only once against Arjuna. Karna had a chance to kill Arjuna but spared the latter as the sun was about to set.On the seventeenth day of battle the two foes faced each other once more. This battle between Arjuna and Karna is perhaps the most cataclysmic and awesome of the great epic. The warriors on the battlefield and the devas in heaven watched the battle in speechless amazement and terrified admiration of the strength and skill of these greatest of warriors. On the seventeenth day, Karna cut the string of Arjunas bow many times. The epic states that initially, the battle was even between the two foes, but then Karna's chariot wheel was trapped in the mud as a result of the curse he received earlier from a Brahmin. He still defended himself, but at the crucial moment forgot the incantations to invokeBrahmanda astra, as a result of his guru Parshurama's curse. Karna got down from his chariot to free the wheel and asked Arjuna to pause, reminding him of the etiquette of war. But Krishna reminded Arjuna of all the incidents - Abhimanyus death, the Laksha-Griha conspiracy, Draupadis insult and others - and attacked Karna while he was trying to lift his sunken chariot wheel. Karna defended himself and invoked Rudraastra against Arjuna and this astra hit Arjuna on his chest.[18]Arjuna lost his grip on his bow, Gandiva, which fell down from his hand for the first time and Arjuna fell down in a swoon. Following the rules of engagement of war, Karna did not try to kill him but instead tried to utilize the time in extracting the wheels of his chariot. Arjuna recovered and using the Anjalika weapon decapitated the weaponless Karna, who was still trying to lift the sunken chariot wheel. Though it was highly forbidden according to the rules of engagement of the war to attack a weaponless warrior or to attack an enemy from the back, Arjuna was spurred by Lord Krishna to do so. It was later revealed that Karna could be killed only when all the 3 curses acted upon him, and this made Krishna employ deceit to kill Karna.Later, when it was revealed that Karna was actually Arjuna's older brother, Arjuna became haunted by Karna's killing, and took it upon himself to treat Vrishakethu, Karna's only remaining son, with great care.[citation needed]Another part of this event is that Karna's guruParasuramaappears in Karna's dream during the period of theKurukshetra Warand when Karna asks him to release him from Parasurama's curse, Parashurama revealed that he had known all along Karna was a Kshatriya, but because he was a worthy student Parashurama had instructed him regardless. The avatar explained to Karna that theBrahmanda astrahad to fail him when he needed it most. If he killed Arjuna, Duryodhana would be king instead of Yudhishthira,[19]and chaos would ensue. Parashurama asked Karna to accept his curse and asked him to die at the hands of Arjuna,so that the world might live in peace.[8] Karna accepted his gurus words and in return the grateful guru, Parashurama blessed Karna with immortal glory and everlasting fame. Also,Lord Krishna asks Karna to accept the above destiny to enable Dharma to triumph.Thus Karna submits to be killed by Arjuna so that Dharma may triumph.In some versions as Karna lay dying on the battlefield, his father Surya and Arjuna's father Indra fell into a debate as to who among their sons was superior and decided to test Karna's generosity and appeared before him as Brahmins asking for alms. Karna said that at this point he had nothing to give them while one of the Brahmins remark that he has some gold in his teeth which could be of use to them. Karna on realizing this promptly took a stone and broke his teeth handing them over to the Brahmins,thus proving his superiority.[20]In other versions of the epic,Krishnaappears as a Brahmin and asks for Karna's punya or merit and once Karna gifted his life's Punya to him,Krishnarewarded Karna with the Darshan of Krishna's Vishwaroopa. Karna's wife Vrushali went sati on Karna's pyre after his death. A play is staged in South India known asKattaikkuttuwhich is based on the events that occurred in Karna's life on the day of his death.[20]Following the end of the war,Tarpanvidhiwere performed for all the fallen. Kunti then requested her sons to perform the rites for Karna and revealed the truth of his birth. The brothers were shocked to find that they had committedfratricide. Yudhishtira, in particular, was furious with his mother and laid a curse upon all women that they should never thereafter be able to keep a secret.[21]Ascension to svargaThe Mahabharata mentions that after his death in the Kurukshetra war, Karna's soul ascended to Suryalok (the abode of his father, Sun god), and along with his sons and "attained" the "state" of agod.[22][23]Karna's familyAccording to theMahabharata, Karna was married toVrushali. He had nine sons; Vrishasena, Vrishaketu, Chitrasena, Satyasena, Sushena, Shatrunjaya, Dvipata, Banasena and Prasena; eight of them took part in the Kurukshetra war. Prasena was killed bySatyaki, Shatrunjaya, Vrishasena and Dvipata by Arjuna, Banasena by Bhima, Chitrasena, Satyasena and Sushena by Nakula. Vrishakethu was his only son who survived the war as he was too young to participate in the war.[24][25]After the war when Pandavas were made aware of Karna's lineage, Vrishakethu was offered to be the King of Indraprasth, being the son of their eldest brother. He was under the patronage of Arjuna and took part in various battles that preceded the Ashvamedh yagna.[citation needed]Themes and analysisWithin the various Hindu mythologies, Karna draws resemblance with various other characters. The attributed author of Mahabharata, sageVyasa, is also noted to be born from an unwed union ofSatyavatiand sageParashara, just the way Karna is born before Kunti's marriage.[26]PhilologistGeorges Dumzilalso compares him with his father Surya in the sense that he too has two mothers, Kunti and Radha, just the way Surya in Vedas has two mothers, the night and the dawn.[27]German indologist Georg von Simson, notes the similarities in the names of Karna and of theKumbhakarna, the demon brother of the main antagonistRavanaof the epicRamayana. He also notes that both Karna and Kumbhakarna did not take part in the great wars of their respective epics at the start.[28]Scholars internationally have also drawn parallels with various European mythologies. Karna'skawach(armour) has been compared with that ofAchilles'sStyx-coated body and with Irish warriorFerdiad's horny skin that could not be pierced. He has been compared to the Greek character Achilles on various occasions as they both have powers but lack status.[29]Secondary literature and mediaLiteratureRabindranath Tagorewrote a poem, "Karna Kunti Sangbad" based on the meeting of Karna and Kunti before the war. Karna also has been topic of various contemporary literary works. The Marathi books ofRadheya(1973) authored byRanjit DesaiandMrityunjay(1967) authored byShivaji Sawantbring forth Karna's private and personal life on paper.[30]Sawant also receivedMoortidevi Award, instituted byBharatiya Jnanpith, for his work[31]and was translated into nine languages.[32]Ramdhari Singh Dinkarin 1978 published an epic poemRashmirathi(translation: One who rides the Chariot of light, 1952) which narrates Karna's life.[33]The poem has later also been adapted as play.[34]Film and theaterThe 1964epicTamil filmKarnandepicted his life and friendship with Duryodhana, starringSivaji Ganesanin title role. In 1977, the Telugu movieDaana Veera Soora Karnastarred the Indian film actor, director and producerN. T. Rama Rao.Shyam Benegal's 1981 filmKalyugadapted theMahabharatas a conflict between rival business houses withShashi Kapoorplaying Karan, the character based on Karna. One of the songs from the 1991 Indian movieThalapathi, based upon the friendship between Karna andDuryodhana, has been voted number 4 in the BBC's 'World's Top Ten Revealed' worldwide music poll.[35]In Peter Brook's filmed version of the epic (1989), Karna was played by British actor Jeffery Kissoon. Recently in 2010,Prakash Jhadirected theBollywoodfilmRaajneeti, a fictional adaptation of theMahabharata, set within a backdrop of Indian politics and starring the actorAjay Devgan, playing a character based on Karna.[36]Karna was portrayed byPankaj Dheerin 1988, in the television seriesMahabharat, for which he is popularly known.[37]Aham Sharmaportrayed the role of Karna in theMahabharat (2013 TV series)and won the award for Best Actor Supporting atIndian Telly Awardsfor the same role.[38]South Indian film actorMohanlalperformed Karna on the stage inKarnabharam, aSanskritplay that was premiered inNew Delhiin 2001 as part of theBharat Rang Mahotsavdirected byKavalam Narayana Panicker. The play depicts Karna's mental agony a day before theKurukshetra War, as he thinks about his past and his faith.[39]In popular cultureKarna, synonyms like Karan,Karnan is one of the most popular choice of name forHindumale child in Indian subcontinent.This name is believed to bring glory and fame as per the blessing on it by sageParashurama.[40]

heJapan Aerospace Exploration Agency(Dokuritsu-gysei-hjin Uch Kk Kenky Kaihatsu Kik?, literally "Independent Administrative Institution on Aerospace Research and Development "), orJAXA, is Japan's nationalaerospaceagency. Through the merger of three previously independent organizations, JAXA was formed on 1 October 2003. JAXA is responsible for research, technology development and the launch ofsatellitesintoorbit, and is involved in many more advanced missions, such asasteroidexploration and possible manned exploration of theMoon.[2]Its motto isOne JAXA[3]and its corporate slogan isExplore to Realize(formerlyReaching for the skies, exploring space).[4]Contents[hide] 1History 2Organization 3Rockets 4Successes 5Launch development and missions 5.1Rocket history 5.2Early H-IIA missions 6Lunar and interplanetary missions 6.1Small body exploration: Hayabusa mission 6.2Solar sail research 6.3Lunar explorations 7Astronomy program 7.1Infrared astronomy 7.2X-ray astronomy 7.3Solar astronomy 7.4Radio astronomy 8Technology tests 8.1ETS-VIII and WINDS 8.2OICETS and INDEX 9Earth observation programme 9.1ALOS 9.2Rainfall observation 9.3Monitoring of carbon dioxide 9.4GCOM series 10Satellites for other agencies 11Other JAXA satellites currently in use 12Finished missions 13Future missions 13.12009 and beyond 13.2Launch schedule 13.2.1FY 2010 13.2.2FY 2011 13.2.3FY 2012 13.2.4FY 2013 13.2.5Other missions 13.3New orientation of JAXA 13.4Developing projects 13.5Plans 14Human space program 15Supersonic aircraft development 16Reusable launch vehicles 17Other space agencies in Japan 18See also 19Notes 20External linksHistory[edit]

JAXAKibo, the largest module of theISS.On 1 October 2003, three organizations were merged to form the new JAXA: Japan'sInstitute of Space and Astronautical Science(or ISAS), theNational Aerospace Laboratory of Japan(NAL), andNational Space Development Agency of Japan(NASDA). JAXA was formed as anIndependent Administrative Institutionadministered by theMinistry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology(MEXT) and theMinistry of Internal Affairs and Communications(MIC).[5]Before the merger, ISAS was responsible forspaceand planetary research, while NAL was focused on aviation research. NASDA, which was founded on 1 October 1969, had developedrockets, satellites, and also built theJapanese Experiment Module. The old NASDA headquarters were located at the current site of theTanegashima Space Center, onTanegashima Island, 115 kilometers south ofKysh. NASDA also trained Japanese astronauts, who flew with the USSpace Shuttles.[6]In 2012 new legislation extended JAXA's remit from peaceful purposes only to include some military space development, such as missile early warning systems. Political control of JAXA passed from MEXT to the Prime MinistersCabinet Officethrough a new Space Strategy Office.[7]Organization[edit]

Head Office

Tanegashima Space CenterJAXA is composed of the following organizations. Space Transportation Mission Directorate Satellite Applications Mission Directorate I Satellite Applications Mission Directorate II Human Spaceflight Mission Directorate Aerospace Research and Development Directorate Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) Institute of Aeronautical TechnologyJAXA has research centers in many locations in Japan, and some offices overseas. Its headquarters are inChfu, Tokyo. It also has Earth Observation Research Center(EORC), Tokyo Earth Observation Center(EOC) inHatayama Noshiro Testing Center(NTC) Established in 1962. It carries out development and testing of rocket engines. Sanriku Balloon Center(SBC) Balloons have been launched from this site since 1971. Kakuda Space Propulsion Center(KSPC) Leads the development of rocket engines. Works mainly with development of liquid fuel engines. Sagamihara Campus(ISAS) Development of experimental equipment for rockets and satellites. Also administrative buildings. Tanegashima Space Center- currently the launch site for theH-IIAandH-IIBrockets. Tsukuba Space Center(TKSC) inTsukuba. This is the center of Japan's space network. It is involved in research and development of satellites and rockets, and tracking and controlling of satellites. It develops experimental equipment for the Japanese Experiment Module ("Kibo"). Training of astronauts also takes place here. ForInternational Space Stationoperations, the Japanese Flight Control Team is located at the Space Station Integration & Promotion Center (SSIPC) in Tsukuba. SSIPC communicates regularly with ISS crewmembers via S-band audio.[8] Uchinoura Space Center- currently the launch site for theEpsilon rocket.Rockets[edit]JAXA uses theH-IIA(H "two" A) rocket from the former NASDA body to launch engineering test satellites, weather satellites, etc. For science missions likeX-ray astronomy, JAXA used theM-V("Mu-five")solid-fueledrocket from the former ISAS until its retirement in 2006, and is now developing theEpsilonrocket replacement. For experiments in the upper atmosphere JAXA uses the SS-520,S-520, andS-310sounding rockets.Successes[edit]Prior to the establishment of JAXA, ISAS had been most successful in its space program in the field of X-ray astronomy during the 1980s and 1990s. Another successful area for Japan has beenVery Long Baseline Interferometry(VLBI) with theHALCAmission. Additional success was achieved with solar observation and research of themagnetosphere, among other areas.NASDA was mostly active in the field of communication satellite technology. However, since the satellite market of Japan is completely open, the first time a Japanese company won a contract for a civilian communication satellite was in 2005. Another prime focus of the NASDA body is Earthclimateobservation.JAXA was awarded theSpace Foundation's John L. "Jack" Swigert, Jr., Award for Space Exploration in 2008.[9]Launch development and missions[edit]

H-IIA & H-IIBRocket history[edit]Japan launched its first satellite,sumi, in 1970, using ISAS'L-4Srocket. Prior to the merger, ISAS used small solid-fueled launch vehicles, while NASDA developed larger liquid-fueled launchers. In the beginning, NASDA used licensed American models. The first model of liquid-fuelled launch vehicle indigenously developed in Japan was theH-II, introduced in 1994. However, at the end of the 1990s, with two H-II launch failures, Japanese rocket technology began to face criticism.Early H-IIA missions[edit]Japan's first space mission under JAXA, an H-IIA rocket launch on 29 November 2003, ended in failure due to stress problems. After a 15 month hiatus, JAXA performed a successful launch of an H-IIA rocket fromTanegashima Space Center, placing a satellite into orbit on 26 February 2005.Lunar and interplanetary missions[edit]Japan's first missions beyond Earth orbit were the 1985 Halley comet observation satellitesSuiseiandSakigake. To prepare for future missions, ISAS tested Earth swing by orbits with theHitenmission in 1990. The first Japanese interplanetary mission was the Mars OrbiterNozomi(Planet-B), which was launched in 1998. It reached its target in 2003, but orbit injection had to be given up. Currently interplanetary missions remain at the ISAS group under the JAXA umbrella. However for FY 2008 JAXA is planning to set up an independent working group within the organization. New head for this group will beHayabusaproject manager Kawaguchi.[10]Active Mission:Akatsuki,IKAROSUnder Development:BepiColombo,Hayabusa 2?Small body exploration: Hayabusa mission[edit]

HayabusaOn 9 May 2003,Hayabusa(meaning,Peregrine falcon), was launched from anM-Vrocket. The goal of the mission was to collect samples from a smallnear-Earth asteroidnamed25143 Itokawa. The craftrendezvousedwith the asteroid in September 2005. It was confirmed that the spacecraft successfully landed on the asteroid in November 2005, after some initial confusion regarding the incoming data. Hayabusa returned to Earth with samples from the asteroid on 13 June 2010.See also:Hayabusa 2Solar sail research[edit]Main article:solar sailOn 9 August 2004, ISAS successfully deployed two prototype solar sails from a sounding rocket. A clover type sail was deployed at 122km altitude and a fan type sail was deployed at 169km altitude. Both sails used 7.5micrometerthick film.ISAS tested a solar sail again as a sub payload to theAstro-F(Akari) mission on 22 February 2006. However the solar sail did not deploy fully. ISAS tested a solar sail again as a sub payload of theSolar-Blaunch at 23 September 2006, but contact with the probe was lost. TheIKAROSsolar sail was launched on 21 May 2010. The solar sail deployed successfully. The goal is to have a solar sail mission to Jupiter after 2010.Lunar explorations[edit]AfterHitenin 1990, ISAS planned a lunar exploration missionLUNAR-Abut after delays due to technical problems, the project was terminated in January 2007. The seismometer penetrator design for Lunar-A may be reused in future mission.On 14 September 2007, JAXA succeeded in launching lunar orbit explorerKaguya, also known as SELENE (costing 55 billion yen including launch vehicle), the largest such mission since theApollo program, on anH-2Arocket. Its mission is to gather data on themoon's origin and evolution. It entered into a lunar orbit on 4 October 2007.[11][12]After 1 year and 8 months it impacted the lunar surface on 10 June 2009 at 18:25 UTC.Astronomy program[edit]See also:Scientific research on the ISSThe first Japanese astronomy mission was x-ray satellite Hakucho (Corsa-B), which was launched in 1979. Later ISAS moved into solar observation, radio astronomy through SpaceVLBIand infrared astronomy.Active Mission:Suzaku, Akari, HinodeUnder Development:ASTRO-G, ASTRO-HInfrared astronomy[edit]

AKARI(Astro-F)

ASTRO-EJapan's first infrared astronomy mission was the 15cmIRTStelescope which was part of theSFUmultipurpose satellite in 1995. IRTS scanned during its one month lifetime around 7% of the sky before SFU got brought back to Earth by the Space Shuttle. During the 1990s JAXA also gave ground support for theESAInfrared Space Observatory(ISO) infrared mission.The next step for JAXA was theAKARIspacecraft, with the pre-launch designationASTRO-F. This satellite was launched on 21 February 2006. Its mission isinfraredastronomy with a 68cm telescope. This is the first all sky survey since the first infrared missionIRASin 1983. (A 3.6kgnanosatellitenamedCUTE-1.7was also released from the same launch vehicle.)[13]JAXA is also doing further R&D for increasing the performance of its mechanical coolers for its future infrared missionSPICA. This would enable a warm launch without liquid helium. SPICA has the same size as the ESAHerschel Space Observatorymission, but is planned with a temperature of just 4.5 K to be much colder. The launch is planned for the year 2015, however the mission is not yet fully funded. Also ESA andNASAmight contribute an instrument each.[14]X-ray astronomy[edit]Starting from 1979 withHakucho(CORSA-B), Japan achieved for nearly 20 years continuous observation with itsHinotori,Tenma,Gingaand Asuka (ASTRO-A to D) x-ray observation satellites. However in the year 2000 the launch of Japan's fifth x-ray observation satelliteASTRO-Efailed (as it failed at launch it never received a proper name).Then on 10 July 2005, JAXA was finally able to launch a newX-ray astronomymission named Suzaku (ASTRO-E II). This launch was important for JAXA, because in the five years since the launch failure of the original ASTRO-E satellite, Japan was without anx-ray telescope. Three instruments were included in this satellite: anX-ray spectrometer(XRS), anX-ray imaging spectrometer(XIS), and ahard X-ray detector(HXD). However, the XRS was rendered inoperable due to a malfunction which caused the satellite to lose its supply of liquid helium.The next planned x-ray mission is theMonitor of All-sky X-ray Image (MAXI). It will continuously monitors astronomical X-ray objects over a broad energy band (0.5 to 30 keV). MAXI will be installed on the Japanese external module of the ISS.[15]After this mission JAXA plans to launchASTRO-H, also known under the name NeXT, in the summer of 2013.See also:ASTRO-HSolar astronomy[edit]Japan's solar astronomy started in the early 80s with the launch of theHinotori(ASTRO-A) x-ray mission. TheHinode(SOLAR-B) spacecraft, the follow-on to the Japan/US/UKYohkoh(SOLAR-A) spacecraft, was launched on 23 September 2006.[16][17]A SOLAR-C can be expected sometime after 2010. However no details are worked out yet other than it will not be launched with the former ISASs Mu rockets. Instead H-2A from Tanegashima could launch it. As H-2A is more powerful SOLAR-C could either be heavier or be stationed atL1(Lagrange point1).Radio astronomy[edit]In 1998 Japan launched the HALCA (Muses-B) Mission, the world first spacecraft dedicated to create SPACE VLBI observations of Pulsars among others. To do so, ISAS set up a ground network around the world through international cooperation. The observation part of the mission lasted until 2003 and the satellite was retired at the end of 2005. In FY 2006 Japan funded the ASTRO-G as the succeeding mission. Launch is planned for FY 2012.For details see:ASTRO-GHALCATechnology tests[edit]One of the primary duties of the former NASDA body was the testing of new space technologies, mostly in the field of communication. The first test satellite was ETS-I,launched in 1975. However during the 1990s NASDA was hit by bad luck with the problems surrounding the ETS-VI and COMETS missions.Testing of communication technologies remains as one of the Jaxas key duties in cooperation withNICT.Active Mission:ETS-VIII,WINDS, IndexUnder Development:QZSS-1Retired:OICETSETS-VIII and WINDS[edit]To upgrade Japan's communication technology the Japanese state launched the i-Space initiative with the ETS-VIII and WINDS missions.[18]ETS-VIII was launched on 18 December 2006. The purpose ofETS-VIIIis to test communication equipment with two very large antennas and an atomic clock test. On 26 December both antennas were successfully deployed. This didn't come unexpected, since JAXA tested the deployment mechanism before with the LDREX-2 Mission, which was launched on 14 October with the European Ariane 5. The test was successful. The mission ofWINDSis to create the worlds fastest satellite internet connection. WINDS was launched in February 2008.OICETS and INDEX[edit]On 24 August 2005, JAXA launched the experimental satellitesOICETSandINDEXwith theDnepr rocket. OICETS mission is to test optical links with theEuropean Space Agency(ESA) satelliteARTEMIS, which is around 40,000km away from OICETS. The experiment was successful on 9 December, when the link could be established. In March 2006 Jaxa could establish with OICETS the worldwide first optical links between a LEO satellite and a ground station first in Japan and in June 2006 with a mobile station in Germany.INDEX is a small 70kg satellite for testing various equipment and for a smallauroraobservation mission. The satellite is currently in the extended mission phase.Earth observation programme[edit]Japan's first Earth observation satellites were MOS-1a and MOS-1b launched in 1987 and 1990. During the 1990s and the new millennium this programme came under heavy fire, because both Adeos (Midori) andAdeos 2(Midori 2) satellites failed after just 10 months in orbit.Active Mission:ALOS, GOSATUnder Development:GCOM-W, GCOM-C, ALOS 2 SARALOS[edit]

MTSAT-1In January 2006, JAXA successfully launched theAdvanced Land Observation Satellite(ALOS/Daichi). Communication between ALOS and the ground station in Japan will be done through the Kodama Data Relay Satellite, which was launched during 2002. This project is under intense pressure due to the shorter than expected lifetime of the ADEOS II (Midori) Earth Observation Mission. For the following on mission JAXA plans to split the mission into a radar satellite and an optical satellite. ALOS 2 SAR is currently planned for the winter of FY 2012.Rainfall observation[edit]Since Japan is an island nation and gets struck by typhoons every year, research about the dynamics of the atmosphere is a very important issue. For this reason Japan launched in 1997 theTRMMmission in cooperation with NASA, to observe the tropical rainfall seasons. JAXA and NASA are planning a successor to the TRMM mission. However because of NASA budget problems the launch date of the GPM project got pushed back to the year 2013. For further research NASDA although launched the ADEOS and ADEOS II missions in 1996 and 2003. However due to various reasons both satellites had a much shorter than expected life term.Monitoring of carbon dioxide[edit]At the end of the 2008 fiscal year, JAXA launched the satelliteGOSAT(Greenhouse Gas Observing SATellite) to help scientists determine and monitor the density distribution ofcarbon dioxidein theatmosphere. The satellite is being jointly developed by JAXA and Japan'sMinistry of the Environment. JAXA is building the satellite while the Ministry is in charge of the data that will be collected. Since the number of ground-based carbon dioxide observatories cannot monitor enough of the world's atmosphere and are distributed unevenly throughout the globe, the GOSAT may be able to gather more accurate data and fill in the gaps on the globe where there are no observatories on the ground. Sensors formethaneand othergreenhouse gassesare also being considered for the satellite, although the plans are not yet finalized. The satellite weighs approximately 1650kg and is expected to have a life span of 5 years.GCOM series[edit]Next funded earth observation mission after GOSAT is the GCOM earth observation programme as a successor to ADEOS II (Midori) and theAqua mission. To reduce the risk and for a longer observation time the mission will be split into smaller satellites. Altogether GCOM will be a series of six satellites. First launch,GCOM-Wis scheduled for February 2012 with the H-IIA. Second launch GCOM-C is currently planned for February 2014.Satellites for other agencies[edit]For weather observation Japan launched on February 2005 the Multi-Functional Transport Satellite 1R (MTSAT-1R). The success of this launch was critical for Japan, since the original MTSAT-1 couldn't be put into orbit because of a launch failure with the H-2 rocket in 1999. Since then Japan relied for weather forecasting on an old satellite which was already beyond its useful life term and on American systems.On 18 February 2006, JAXA, as head of the H-IIA at this time, successfully launched the MTSAT-2 aboard a H-2A rocket. MTSAT-2 is the backup to the MTSAT-1R. The MTSAT-2 uses the DS-2000 satellite bus developed by Mitsubishi Electric.[19]The DS-2000 is also used for the DRTS Kodama, ETS-VIII and the Superbird 7 communication satellite, making it the first commercial success for Japan.As a secondary mission both the MTSAT-1R and MTSAT-2 help to direct air traffic.Other JAXA satellites currently in use[edit] Exos-D (Akebono) Aurora Observation, since 1989. GEOTAILmagnetosphere observation satellite (since 1992) DRTS(Kodama) Data Relay Satellite, since 2002. (Projected Life Span is 7 years)On going joint missions with NASA are theTropical Rainfall Measuring Mission(TRMM), theAquaEarth Observation Satellite.Finished missions[edit] OICETS, Technology Demonstration 20052009 (retired) SELENE, Moon probe 20072009 (retired) Micro Lab Sat 1, Small engineering mission, launch 2002. (retired 27 September 2006) HALCA,Space VLBI19972005 (retired) Nozomi,MarsMission 19982003 (failed) MDS-1, Technology Demonstration 20022003 (retired) ADEOS 2, (Midori 2) Earth Observation 20022003 (lost)Future missions[edit]

HTV-1As JAXA shifted away from international efforts beginning in 2005, plans are developing for independent space missions, such as a proposed manned mission to the moon.2009 and beyond[edit]This section isoutdated.Please update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.(November 2010)

On 23 February 2008 JAXA launched the Wideband InterNetworking engineering test and Demonstration Satellite (WINDS), also called "KIZUNA." WINDS will facilitate experiments with faster internet connections. The launch, usingH-IIAlaunch vehicle 14, took place from theTanegashima Space Center.[20]On 10 September 2009 the firstH-IIBrocket was successfully launched, delivering theHTV-1freighter to resupply theInternational Space Station.[21]Another project is theGlobal Precipitation Measurement/Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (GPM/DPR) which is a joint development with NASA. This mission is the successor to the highly successful TRMM mission. JAXA will develop the radar and provide the launch vehicle. Other countries/agencies like China, India, ESA etc. will provide the subsatellites. The aim of this mission is to measure global rainfall. However because of NASA budget limitations this project was pushed back to 2010.In the year 2009 JAXA plans to launch the first satellite of theQuasi Zenith Satellite System(QZSS), a subsystem of the global positioning system (GPS). Two others are expected to follow later. If successful, one satellite will be in a zenith position over Japan full-time. The QZSS mission is the last scheduled major independent mission for JAXA, as no major civilian projects were funded after that for now. The only exception is the IGS programme which will be continued beyond 2008. However it seems Japan is pressing forward now with the GCOM earth observation satellites as successors to the ADEOS missions. First launch is planned for 2010. In 2009 Japan also plans to launch a new version of the IGS with an improved resolution of 60cm.Launch schedule[edit]First launch of theH-IIBand the HTV is 1 September 2009. After the first flight one HTV launch is planned during each FY until 2015. (If not mentioned otherwise launch vehicle for the following missions is theH-IIA.)FY 2010[edit] H-II Transfer Vehicle, Unmanned resupply spacecraft, launch: Winter, 2010 Quasi Zenith Satellite System, launch: Aug, 2010 Akatsuki, probe toVenus, launch: May, 2010 IKAROS, Solar-sail Technology Demonstration satellite, launch: May, 2010FY 2011[edit] GCOM-W, Climate Observation satellite, launch: Feb, 2012FY 2012[edit] ALOS 2 SAR, Earth Observation satellite, launch: Winter 2012 ASTRO-G(VSOP-2) successor to the Halca mission, launch: Summer 2012 TOPS Telescope Observatory for Planets on Small-satellite, launch: Feb, 2012FY 2013[edit] GPM, successor to theTRMMjoint NASA mission BepiColombo, joint ESA mission toMercury, launch: 2013 (LV: Ariane 5) ASTRO-Hx-ray observatory, launch: summer 2013. GCOM-C, Climate Observation satellite, launch: Feb, 2014Other missions[edit]For the 2012ESAEarthCare mission, JAXA will provide the radar system on the satellite. JAXA is also providing theLight Particle Telescope(LPT) for the 2008Jason 2satellite by the FrenchCNES. JAXA will provide the Auroral Electron Sensor (AES) for the Taiwanese FORMOSAT-5.[7] SmartSat-1, small communication test and sun corona observation, Mission status unclear XEUSjoint X-Ray telescope with ESA, launch after 2015. Sohla-2 Small PETSAT Demonstration SatelliteNew orientation of JAXA[edit]Planning interplanetary research missions can take up to seven years, such as theASTRO-E. Due to the lag time between these interplanetary events and mission planning time, opportunities to gain new knowledge about the cosmos might be lost. To prevent this, JAXA plans on using smaller, faster missions from 2010 onwards. JAXA is developing a new solid-fueled rocket, theEpsilon, to replace the retiredM-V.Developing projects[edit] IKAROS(Interplanetary Kite-craft Accelerated by Radiation Of the Sun), a small size powered-solar sailexperimental spacecraft. Future mission will use solar sail forJupiterandTrojan asteroidsexploration.Plans[edit] Selene-2, a moon landing mission Hayabusa 2, for launch in 20142015 for target1999JU3 Hayabusa Mk2/Marco Polo Human Lunar Systems, conceptual system study on the future human lunar outpost ALOS-2, earth observation SPICA, a 3,5 meter infrared telescope to be placed atL2 JASMINE, infrared telescope for measuring the universe DIOS, small scale x-ray observation Space Solar Power System (SSPS),space-based solar powerprototype launch in 2020, aiming for a full power system in 2030[22]Human space program[edit]

TheSpacelab-Jshuttle flight, funded by Japan, included several tons of Japanese science research equipmentJapan has ten astronauts but has not yet developed its own manned spacecraft and is not currently developing one officially. A potentially mannedspace shuttle-spaceplaneHOPE-Xproject launched by the conventional space launcherH-IIwas developed for several years (including test flights ofHyflex/OREXprototypes) but was postponed. The simpler manned capsuleFujiwas proposed but not adopted. Projects forsingle-stage to orbit, horizontal takeoffreusable launch vehicleand landing ASSTS and thevertical takeoff and landingKankoh-marualso exist but have not been adopted.The first Japanese citizen to fly in space wasToyohiro Akiyama, a journalist sponsored byTBS, who flew on theSovietSoyuz TM-11in December 1990. He spent more than seven days in space on theMirspace station, in what the Soviets called their first commercial spaceflight which allowed them to earn $14 million.Japan participates in US and international manned space programs including flights of Japanese astronauts on RussianSoyuzspacecraft to theISS. One Space Shuttle mission (STS-47) in September 1992 was partially funded by Japan. This flight included JAXA's first astronaut in space,Mamoru Mohri, as the Payload Specialist for the Spacelab-J, one of the European builtSpacelabmodules. This mission was also designatedJapan.

A view of the completed Kibo module.Three other NASA Space Shuttle missions (STS-123,STS-124,STS-127) in 20082009 delivered parts of the Japanese built spacelab-moduleKiboto ISS.Japanese plans for a manned lunar landing were in development but were shelved in early 2010 due to budget constraints.[23]In June 2014 Japan's science and technology ministry said it was considering a space mission toMars. In a ministry paper it indicated unmanned exploration, manned missions to Mars and long-term settlement on theMoonwere objectives, for which international cooperation and support was going to be sought.[24]Supersonic aircraft development[edit]Besides the H-IIA and M-5 rockets, JAXA is also developing technology for a next-generationsupersonictransport that could become the commercial replacement for theConcorde. The design goal of the project (working nameNEXST) is to develop a jet that can carry 300 passengers atMach2. A subscale model of the jet underwent aerodynamic testing in September and October 2005 in Australia.[25]The economic success of such a project is still unclear, and as a consequence the project has been met with limited interest from Japanese aerospace companies like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries so far.Reusable launch vehicles[edit]Until 2003[citation needed]JAXA (ISAS) conducted research on a reusable launch vehicle under theReusable Vehicle Testing (RVT)project.Other space agencies in Japan[edit]Not included into the JAXA organization is theInstitute for unmanned space experiment free flyer(USEF), Japan's other space agency.See also[edit]Spaceflight portal

Independent Administrative Institution(IAI), 2001 List of Independent Administrative Institutions (Japan) Space Brothers (manga)Notes[edit]1. Jump up^" ". JAXA. Retrieved26 August2014.2. Jump up^McCurry, Justin (15 September 2007)."Japan launches biggest moon mission since Apollo landings".guardian.co.uk/science(London). Retrieved16 September2007.3. Jump up^Keiji Tachikawa JAXA in 20064. Jump up^JAXA | New JAXA Philosophy and Corporate Slogan5. Jump up^"Law Concerning Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency". JAXA. Retrieved20 April2010.6. Jump up^Kamiya, Setsuko, "Japan a low-key player in space race",Japan Times, 30 June 2009, p. 3.7. Jump up^"Japan Passes Law Permitting Military Space Development".Defense News. 22 June 2012. Retrieved29 October2012.8. Jump up^"ISS On-Orbit Status 04/23/09". NASA.9. Jump up^http://www.nationalspacesymposium.org/symposium-awards10. Jump up^[1]11. Jump up^Japancorp.net, Japan Successfully Launches Lunar Explorer "Kaguya"12. Jump up^"Japan launches first lunar probe". BBC NEWS. 14 September 2007.13. Jump up^[2]14. Jump up^[3]15. Jump up^Monitor of All-sky X-ray Image (MAXI)16. Jump up^[4]17. Jump up^[5]18. Jump up^[6]19. Jump up^" DS2000"(in Japanese). Mitsubishi Electric. Archived fromthe originalon 22 August 2008. Retrieved3 August2008.20. Jump up^"Launch Result of the KIZUNA (WINDS) by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 14 (H-IIA F14)". JAXA.21. Jump up^"Japan's space freighter in orbit".Jonathan Amos(BBC). 10 August 2009. Retrieved10 September2009.22. Jump up^"Japan eyes solar station in space as new energy source". Physorg.com. 8 November 2009. Retrieved24 March2010.23. Jump up^McPherson, S. (23 March 2010). Japan Decides Manned Mission to Moon Too Expensive, Nikkei Says. Retrieved fromhttp://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a3mPhCZElfw824. Jump up^"Japanese hope to build on Mars". The Tokyo News.Net. Retrieved2 June2014.25. Jump up^Supersonic Jet10 October 2005,yahoo[dead link]