Terahertz instruments, atmospheric radiative transfer, and data science for planetary exploration and Earth observation.
Lunar Terahertz SUrveyor for KIlometer-scale MappIng. This mission project investigates how terahertz observations can constrain the distribution of water ice and metal resources in the shallow lunar subsurface. Yasuko Kasai is the principal investigator; Marcus Märtens co-leads the Data Science team. Our work includes lunar remote sensing and data analysis.
Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer — Submillimetre Wave Instrument. SWI studies Jupiter's atmosphere and the atmospheres and surfaces of its icy moons. Yasuko Kasai contributed to SWI development; Japan's contribution included the antenna and drive system architecture. These measurements support characterization of the Jupiter system and potentially habitable environments. Japan's SWI contribution.
TERahertz EXplorer: NICT's micro-explorer concept for Mars. Terahertz spectroscopy would measure atmospheric water and oxygen to study the Martian environment. Yasuko Kasai's research includes TEREX instrument development; the project uses simulations to assess atmospheric measurement accuracy. NICT's project description.
An index for comparing air cleanliness across regions. The research combines air pollution data with a common measure of air quality; Yasuko Kasai lists CII among her research projects. Research background at NICT.
GOSAT observation illustration © JAXA
Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle. The mission observes greenhouse gases and the water cycle. Laboratory research includes atmospheric radiative transfer, spectroscopy, and GOSAT-GW data analysis, as described in Richard Larsson's research profile.
Superconducting Submillimeter-Wave Limb-Emission Sounder. This ISS instrument observed stratospheric chemistry, including ozone-related molecules, in 2009–2010. Yasuko Kasai led the NICT side of the project. The observation archive supports research on atmospheric composition and ozone chemistry.