| Provited by Hyotan Group, Hitachi City | |
Ibaraki University Center for Astronomy
Takahagi
City and Hitachi City |
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１． Outline of the Center (1) Establishment of the Center The former Ibaraki Satellite Communication Center of KDDI was on the hills located on the border between Hitachi and Takahagi cities. KDDI proposed to transfer facilities to National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Ibaraki University, and to two cities in 2009. Thus two parabolic antennas were transferred to the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, supporting facilities were transferred to the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and Ibaraki University and the site was transferred to Takahagi and Hitachi cities. ‘Sakura (cherry tree) Space Park’ with open lawn is a fine place to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring season in Takahagi area. Ibaraki University and Takahagi City use the facilities for 'the Satoyama Initiative to Revitalize Nature and Culture of Takahagi Hill Area’ project under The Community as A Partner Programs of Ibaraki University. |
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| （２）Parabolic Antenna It is very famous that the ‘Cassegrain antenna’ developed by the team work of KDD, NHK(Japan Broadcasting Corporation) and Mitsubishi Electric Corp. gave birth of the Center. The antenna received the first transpacific transmission of a TV signal in November, 1963. ‘The micro-wave antenna by Cassegrain (French sculptor and scientist in 17th century) telescope principle ‘’is now the IEEE standard and some 100 units of the type are in use in the world. |
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 (3) IEEE Milestone The parabolic antenna for satellite communication installed for the first time in the world here in Ibaraki was certified as the IEEE Milestone in 2009. It is hoped that the center will contribute to the advancement and education for radio and communication science and engineering. |
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| 2. Radio Telescope (1) Rise of Space Communications USSR succeeded to launch the first satellite Sptnik in 1957. To catch up this, it was highly hoped for NASA to start satellite communication by the relay satellite loaded with communication transmission devices for the first time in the world. KDD( the current KDDI) started the development of space communication antennas and installed Cassegrain telescopes in Juo, Ibaraki( present-day Hitachi City) in view of the importance of space communication. The large parabolic structure of diameter of 20m with 3mm precision of the curved surface was constructed with the help of the architect engineer who designed the structures of the Tokyo International Trade Center(Harumi). (2) The Role of the Radio Telescopes Now two radio telescopes of 32m in diameters catch radio waves from space to study the structure and evolution of stars and galactic systems. The radio telescopes are connected by optical fiber cables with radio telescopes at NICT, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology in Kashima City and those of National Astronomical Observatory of Japan in Tsukuba City. As the result the combined telescopes work as if the diameter were around 100km of the distance between Takahagi and Kashima(Tsukuba). These two antennas were transferred to National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and they are used for projects for the cooperation of the Observatory and the University. |
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| 3. Space Radio Wave Hall  The building of Space Radio Wave Hall at the center is used for laboratory and seminar classes for students and also for observation of radio waves antennas and space for citizens. KDDI Ibaraki Space Satellite Communication Laboratory, which was the predecessor of the Center, was successful to develop the first parabolic antenna for satellite communications in the world in 1963. NHK Archives in November, 2004 shows us vividly the fact that the first TV transmission from the USA was the live image information of assassination of President Kennedy, and the episodes of development for satellite communications by KDDI and NHK and the successful TV broadcasting of 1964 Tokyo Olympics |
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| 4. Cherry Blossoms The Center is located in Takahagi Memorial Park for Satellite Communication( Cherry Space Park). The Park is to commemorate ‘the first site of transpacific transmission of a TV image news in the world’. It welcomes many people to enjoy walking and sports. Cherry trees line along both sides of the road in the center and around the park. In early April many citizens visit the park to see the cherry flowers in full bloom. |
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5. Reporter’s Note Visiting the site of the parabolic antenna which started operation by the first transpacific TV transmission by the space satellite system of the historical incident of the assassination of President Kennedy was impressive to the reporters who remember the days of the incident. It is very interesting that the facilities now work for the ‘Satoyama Initiative to Revitalize Nature and Culture of Takahagi Hill Area’ as one of The Community as A Partner Programs under university-government collaboration system. We were happy to learn the overall aspects of the Center by interview with the staff of the office first. Next we could watch the NHK Archives which contained the processes from the development of space radio telescope to the TV broadcasting of 1964 Tokyo Olympics to the world. We are indebted to Mr. Toshio Sato for his two papers given to the Libraries of the Center . He took crucial part for the research and development of antennas and radio propagation from 1956 at KDD and the birth of satellite communication antennas in Takahagi, Ibaraki. We are also grateful to the Center for information on the Center with libraries and documents . 6. Access Location: 627-1, Ishitakiuedai, Takahagi City, Ibaraki Guide to cars: 15 minutes from Hitachi North IC, Joban Expressway. 15 minutes from Takahagi IC, Joban High-way. JR: Take a bus at No.2 Bus stop of Ibuki Loop ,Shiina Kankou Bus. Get off at the bus stop of ‘ Takahagi –koukou mae’(Takahagi Engineering High School) . It takes 10 minutes . Walk about 10 minutes to the other direction of the high school. Taxi: 10 minutes from Takahagi Station Parking space : 35 cars( 300 cars in case of special events) 7. Contact to: Ibaraki University Center for Astronomy Tel: 0293-24-9516 Fax: 0293-24-9517 E-mail: infoast@mx.ibaraki.ac.jp HP: http://www.asec.ibaraki.ac.jp/ |
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