Certificate of Gratitude from JAXA Delivered to the Salesperson, a Space Enthusiast
Takashi Nakayama, of Shimadzu Techno-Research, Inc., holding a certificate of gratitude from JAXA (Deputy Manager, Testing Machine / NDI Group, Analytical Measuring Center, Testing & Analysis Division)
It was late at night on January 20, 2024. Takashi Nakayama of Shimadzu Techno-Research, Inc. was glued to the screen of his smartphone. He was watching the JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) YouTube channel, which was live streaming the launch of the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM). "Please...please..." After several tense moments of silence, a "touchdown" mark appeared on the screen. "Success...Thank goodness!" That was the moment of a successful pinpoint landing on the lunar surface, a world’s first.
Shimadzu Techno-Research Contributes to Accomplishing the Mission of the SLIM
SLIM is a small, unmanned space probe developed by JAXA. Lunar landings typically involve an error of several kilometers. In contrast, this was the world’s first high-accuracy pinpoint landing, with an error of only 55 meters. The shift from "landing where one can" to "landing where one wants" is likely to mark a turning point that paves the way for future lunar probes.
In July 2024, a certificate of gratitude from JAXA was received for the contributions of analysis technology from Shimadzu Techno-Research to such a project on the front lines of space development.
Head office building of Shimadzu Techno-Research, Inc. (Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto)
Shimadzu Techno-Research is a contract analysis company that measures environmental contaminants in soil and water samples, and tests and evaluates products and raw materials. Until that point, the company had no connection with space development. However, Nakayama, the salesperson, showcased its technological capabilities by diligently visiting space-related facilities and events, noting that "This technology could certainly also be utilized for space exploration." These activities bore fruit, leading to analysis requests from JAXA.
Broad Applications, from X-ray CT Images of Rocket Propulsion Units to Chemical Analyses of Fuels
The requests involved X-ray CT images of the rocket propulsion unit, as well as the heater parts responsible for thermal regulation on the lunar surface, where the temperature drops to -100 ℃ or lower. Various patterns of imaging conditions were tried using the Shimadzu inspeXio SMX X-ray CT system, leading to success with images of spatter (metallic particles produced during welding), which other companies found difficult.
Shimadzu inspeXio SMX X-ray CT system
In the analysis of hydrazine, which is used in rocket fuels, there was a risk that toxic gases might be generated or explode during transport, so it was not possible to transport it from the JAXA research facility in Kanagawa Prefecture to Shimadzu Techno-Research in Kyoto. For this reason, Nakayama borrowed the fume hood (local ventilation system) of a nearby lab, and performed the pretreatment himself. "I was frightened, but this was overridden by the excitement of seeing for myself the fuel that would make the rocket fly," he cheerfully reflected on that time.
Excelling at both Sales and Technology
He noted that his motto is "to think of myself as a member of the customer's team when performing analyses and coming up with results." Previously, on hearing that they wished to see the change in substances during durability testing, he also developed a small testing machine that could be installed within an X-ray CT system.
Shimadzu DinamiCT is a testing machine developed by Nakayama, and installed within the instrument. With this instrument, X-ray CT images can be obtained while applying a load to or tilting the analysis target.
Because of the extent of these activities, Nakayama was transferred from the sales department to the R&D department. At present, he says that "In order to deal with what the customer wants to do and what they want to know, I add new technologies to our existing technologies to integrate them with the aim of making the impossible possible. That is what I am feeling a sense of satisfaction."
"Customers who come to us with analysis requests are always facing a problem. When you hear the term contract analysis, you tend to think of this work as passive. However, the interesting aspect is that we enter into the problem that the customer is facing, make proposals, and keep working at it until the problem is resolved. This JAXA project was certainly a continuation of this kind of work. It is precisely for this reason that the instant the SLIM was launched, I instinctively started watching intently, just as if I were a member of the project, and was filled with a sense of achievement when the mission succeeded. Receiving this certificate of gratitude from JAXA fills me with gratitude that my work makes my family proud."
Patch for use only by team members of the SLIM project affixed to the certificate of gratitude from JAXA
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