Our Latest Technical Memorandum

The Changing Tanaka Laboratory

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Space debris are increasing.

2nd Aug 2022,    0 minutes,   
space debris aerospace contamination threats space development
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Research Area

1st Aug 2022,    2 minutes,   
space debris aerospace contamination threats space development
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Research Area

on Space Debris

Orbital Analysis

Research on debris trajectory analysis, collision probability, and decay prediction

Aerospace Traffic Management

Research on the relationship between space debris collision and aerospace traffic management

Artificial Intelligence

Research on solutions of the space debris problems using AI

Space Situational Awareness

Research on space measurement systems (optical and RF radar) of space debris for space situational awareness

Hypervelocity Impact and Protection

Research on hypervelocity impact experiments and simulations for protection against space debris impacts

Electronics Devices for space

Development of space measurement instruments for onboard satellites, and Collaboration with JAXA Mizuno Laboratory on the LIDARX

研究チーム (2022)

A dedicated research group

田中研究室では、宇宙のゴミである「スペースデブリ」について多角的に研究しています。
Our laboratory focuses on " Space Debris " known as space junk. We study interdisciplinary themes on space debris.

Keywords: Space Debris, SSA, ATM, ADS-B, AI, HVI

AIを用いてデブリ大気圏再突入の予測に関する基礎研究を進めています

Keywords: Space Debris, Orbit, Decay, AI

JAXA水野研究室でレーザー高度計(LIDARX)の研究を行なっています

Keywords: Laser, Lidar, Ranging, JAXA

AIを用いた地震前兆現象の検出に関する基礎研究をしています

Keywords: AI, Earthquake, Prediction

月面の地形に関する基礎研究をしています

Keywords: Moon, Luner, Topography, Surface

宇宙用の真空計の開発に関する基礎研究をしています

Keywords: Thermosphere, Vaccuum, Gauges, Observation

LSTMのアルゴリズムの改良に関する研究を進めています

Keywords: AI, LSTM, Algorithm

AIを用いた台風に関する予測研究を進めています

Keywords: AI, Prediction, Weather phenomenon, Forecasting

デブリの大気圏再突入を制御する研究を進めています

Keywords: Space Debris, Re-entry, Optimal Control

宇宙物体の画像認識に関する基礎研究を行なっています

Keywords: Space Objects, Identification, Computer Vision

新しい宇宙港の構築に関する研究を進めています

Keywords: Space Tourism, Spaceport, Optimal ATM

宇宙観光旅行とデブリ衝突に関する基礎研究を進めています

Keywords: Space Debris, Impact Avoidance, Space Tourism

天体望遠鏡を用いたスペースデブリの計測に関する研究を進めています

Keywords: Space Debris, Telescope, Measurement

宇宙救難ボートに関する基礎研究を進めています

Keywords: Space Debris, Rescue Boat, Re-entry

宇宙物体の画像認識に関する基礎研究を行なっています

Keywords: Space Objects, Identification, Computer Vision

SDRを用いた電波計測に関する基礎研究を進めています

Keywords: Radio, Measurement, SDR, GNURadio

宇宙観光旅行のマーケットに関する基礎研究を進めています

Keywords: Spaceport, Space Tourism, Market, Space Debris

SDRを用いた電波計測に関する基礎研究を進めています

Keywords: Radio, Measurement, SDR, GNURadio

LSTMのアルゴリズムの改良に関する研究を進めています

Keywords: AI, LSTM, Algorithm

宇宙物体の画像認識に関する基礎研究を行なっています

Keywords: Space Objects, Identification, Computer Vision

天体望遠鏡を用いたスペースデブリの計測に関する研究を進めています

Keywords: Space Debris, Telescope, Measurement

宇宙フライトシミュレータに関する基礎研究を進めています

Keywords: Space Flight Simulator, Space Debris, Impact Avoidance

SDRを用いた電波計測に関する基礎研究を進めています

Keywords: Radio, Measurement, SDR, GNURadio

Ask Question?

To join Tanaka Laboratory

What is the research theme of the Tanaka Laboratory?
Tanaka laboratory was established in 2000. Since then, we have been conducting research for about 20 years with a core focus on space debris. The details of our research activities are available on this website.
What do you value in your research guidance?
In a word, "Debris research is challenging but exciting! " I want them to focus on the research theme they are working on from the bottom of their hearts. I don't want them to become specialized idiots, so I teach them to have a broad, multifaceted viewpoint and way of thinking, including general education.
How do you conduct your research with students?
A 100-minute seminar (lecture) is held once a week. Each week, all students complete homework assignments (directly related to their research themes) and present the results of their work in the form of a presentation. In addition, a five-minute lightning talk (LT) period is set aside for students to present their latest topics. In response to these presentations, everyone, including Tanaka, will discuss the issues from various perspectives. Tanaka instructs students to ensure they have enough time for their research outside class. Research is conducted using ICT technology in a multifaceted way. Programming activities, Experiences with Macintosh, Windows, GNU/Linux systems, command line operations, and the Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, etc.), VPN, NAS, GIT, and SNS tools.
Do you have research collaborations with other organizations?
Several Tanaka Lab students have been working in Mizuno Lab. of JAXA/ ISAS on an external research project (joint research) to study the LIDAR. To return to the story in Tanaka's laboratory, once the research results are compiled, we present them at academic conferences and international symposiums regardless of the student's grade. Therefore, students may belong to academic societies or join international research organizations as members. We are not currently engaged in joint research with other universities or companies. We focus on pioneering research activities in space debris research.
Are there any core hours that I have to be in the lab?
There are no core hours. Students gather in Tanaka's laboratory for research seminars. As of 2022, we have reserved a large classroom considering COVID-19 and offer face-to-face seminars in a less crowded environment. This seminar is the only time when the students can see each other. In the Tanaka Laboratory, everything except for the research seminar time, a lecture, is a time to focus on one's research theme. Every student life activity is a time for self-improvement to deepen and advance one's research. We hope you will see every aspect of your daily college life as an excellent opportunity for growth and development.
What level of programming skills are required in your lab?
In Tanaka Laboratory, we will use Python, MATLAB, and C++ in our research. We recommend that students take lectures on Python, C, JAVA, and C# as part of their general education before their second year of undergraduate school. Almost all students in Tanaka Lab. start as beginners in programming. There is no need to worry, as they have all acquired programming skills at an accelerated pace through self-study and their seniors' help. However, when you join Tanaka Laboratory, programming will be one of the essential research activities, so I want you to be prepared and tackle it head-on.
How many students belong to Tanaka Laboratory?
As of 2022, there are 21 students in Tanaka Laboratory. There are students from the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Faculty of Engineering (B3/10, B4/6) and graduate students from the Course of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering (M1/3, M2/2). About nine students from third-year undergraduate students belong to the Tanaka Laboratory each year.
What are the career paths of graduates?
The graduates of the Tanaka Laboratory are very diverse. Most of our graduates devoted to debris research in the Tanaka Lab have worked for aerospace companies or as computer engineers. Others have gone on to study abroad and become designers or doctors. We always tell our students that they should think for themselves and make decisions on their responsibility, so we do not help them find jobs. However, if students have any doubts about their future or need advice, we try to respond immediately.
Do you have any contact with the alums of Tanaka Lab?
Tanaka Lab provides opportunities to meet (or reunite) with alums and alumnae about twice a year. Through the Tanaka Lab's research presentations and events (movie nights, get-togethers, etc.), current students and alums get together with each other. At these times, information on research activities and job hunting are exchanged. The long and deep interaction between senior and junior students is one of the characteristics of the Tanaka Laboratory. Due to COVID-19, we are refraining from getting together, but we hope to resume soon. Now, we are conducting "Virtual Cheers! (so-called "home-drinking")" in the laboratory via videoconference. Even though everyone in the Tanaka Lab has moved away due to COVID-19, we are the research unit on space debris.
How can I become a member of the Tanaka Lab.?
The first prerequisite to joining Tanaka Laboratory as an undergraduate student from the third year is to be admitted as a student of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Faculty of Engineering, Tokai University. Furthermore, to belong to the Tanaka Laboratory as a graduate student, the primary prerequisite is to enroll as a graduate student in the Course of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokai University. We want to make your chances as equal as possible, so we do not advise on examination questions, trends, or countermeasures, especially concerning past entrance examinations. We consider this a good chance for students to gather information, analyze, and make decisions independently, so we ask students to trust their abilities and do their best.
What is the rate of advancement to graduate school?
About 2/3 of the fourth-year undergraduate students in Tanaka Laboratory go directly to graduate school(Course of Mechanical Engineering). Almost 100% of the graduate students come from Tokai University, and 0% come from outside universities.
What are the advantages of belonging to the Tanaka Lab?
There are three advantages. 1) You will acquire programming skills (+ ICT application) (mainly Python, MATLAB, and C++). 2) You will be able to search for information by accumulating training in information gathering + analysis + decision making. 3) You will learn that research is challenging but fun! There are also three disadvantages. 1) If you don't think and work actively on your own, you will spend nothing but time in limbo (no detailed research guidance). 2) You need to read many English papers to learn the latest research (this is not the time to say you are not good at English). 3)The research theme on space debris is too particular, and you may not be able to find a job directly related to your research theme.

What is Tanaka Labo like?

Messages from Students

Message 01

The Tanaka Lab has an excellent hierarchical relationship, and even third-year students can participate in experiments conducted by their seniors. Also, the lab is a place where you can improve your technical skills together with your professors and seniors, who will give you accurate advice.

Message 02

In Tanaka Laboratory, there are strong ties among classmates, seniors, and juniors, and a friendly atmosphere allows for very fulfilling research activities.

Message 03

Although the number of students in Tanaka Laboratory is small, we are a laboratory with strong vertical ties, including our senior students and alums. We look forward to studying with all of you interested in our research.

Message 04

A significant characteristic of the Tanaka Lab is that we have many opportunities to develop things and programs. To build a radio wave radar, I am also involved in the entire process, from designing the whole system to developing programs to analyze the data.

Message 05

One of the unique features of the Tanaka Lab is that many students work on different measurement systems. While being taught by their professors and seniors, they also work on their own to advance their research, allowing them to acquire practical knowledge of hardware and software. Students also have many opportunities to share the knowledge they have gained, regardless of their grade level, so that they can understand various fields.

Message 06

Tanaka Laboratory is a very close-knit group, which is only possible with a small number of students. Although there are many trainings in the seminar, it is a good laboratory where you can improve your skills!

Message 07

Tanaka Lab. research is measuring and mitigating space debris. I am also working on the radar to measure space debris from the ground. In addition to undergraduate and graduate students, there are many opportunities to interact with alums, and I have many chances to ask for advice on employment, research, and other matters. The atmosphere is friendly, and easy to talk with them.

Message 08

In Tanaka Lab, we aim to solve problems by connecting with our seniors and peers. It is a laboratory where the overall connection is very strong.

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