Olympus Corporation has embarked on the “Olympus Space Project” as its 90th anniversary project. Dr. Koichi Wakata, the astronaut at JAXA (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency) will be using the Olympus E-3 Digital SLR camera and ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses to photograph Earth from the ‘Kibo’, the Japanese experimental module within the ISS (International Space Station).
The photographs will be posted on Olympus’ websites and also displayed at photo exhibitions. The images of Earth taken from space will make people recognize the importance of the environment. The forthcoming launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery will carry Dr. Wakata and the Olympus E-3 to the ISS.
About the Olympus Space Project:
Olympus Corporation will be celebrating its 90th anniversary this October 2009. The Olympus Space Project is one of company’s initiatives to help improve peoples’ lives and also to save the environment.
Today, companies are focusing on the environment. Olympus has communicated the importance of the environment through images that demonstrate the effects of global warming on the earth and wildlife. One example is the contents of the Global Warming Witness by Mitsuaki Iwago posted on Olympus’ website. The “Olympus Space Project” will show earth’s irreplaceable beauty through breathtaking images captured from the ‘Kibo’ which is located within the space station itself.
The ‘Kibo’ is the Japanese experiment module within the ISS, which was built and operated by a consortium of 15 countries. The Kibo is the first Japanese module designed for the astronauts to stay which will see JAXA astronaut Dr. Koichi Wakata being the first Japanese astronaut to have flown on three missions and stayed in the ISS for a long period of time.
Whilst in the Kibo, he will take images of earth with the Olympus E-3 and ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses. The Exposed Facility will be constructed on the module during this mission and this new facility will block the Kibo’s window, making the earth no longer visible from the Japanese module. This stay will be the only opportunity to photograph Earth’s beauty from this experiment module.
This project has materialised, thanks to the commercial use of the Kibo offered by the JAXA. The public can also log on to Olympus’ dedicated website at http://olympus-space-project.com, which has been specially designed for this project for more information and updates.
The E-3 is the flagship camera of the Olympus E-system, the digital single lens reflex camera system. Designed for professional and aspiring photographers, the E-3 provides amazing image quality and extremely durable reliability. The splash and dust-proof magnesium-alloy body survives the toughest shooting environments. This mission is the optimal photographic opportunity where Dr. Wakata’s E-3 will prove the absolute highest performance and highest reliability. The “made-for-extreme” E-3 complies with use in space.
Based on the Four Thirds standard, the ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses are 100 percent digital for amazing image quality. In the mission, two high-grade pro lens units will be used with the E-3 camera: ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm F2.8-3.5, ED50-200mm F2.8-3.5 SWD. The lenses are manufactured at Olympus’ TATSUNO plant by the most skilful master staff and offer the highest image quality. In addition to offering a wide optical range (wide angle to super telephoto), the pro lenses are also splash and dust-proof for outstanding reliability in tough shooting environments.
Additional Information:
1. The ISS (International Space Station) and the Space Shuttle
The ISS orbits approximately 400 kilometres above the Earth, at a speed of 90 minutes per orbit. It allows scientists to perform studies and experiments in space by taking advantage of special features unique to space. It was built and operated by a consortium of 15 countries - including the United States, Japan, Russia, Canada and 11 nations of the European Space Agency.
The Space Shuttle was developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States. Three Space Shuttles (Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour) are launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in the United States.
2. Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" and JAXA Astronaut Koichi Wakata
"Kibo" will serve as a module of the ISS and is Japan's first manned facility where astronauts can conduct experiments for a long period of time. "Kibo" was transported to the ISS on three separate Space Shuttle missions since March 2008. Dr. Wakata is scheduled to stay on the ISS for approximately three months. During his stay, the Exposed facility will be docked to complete the experiment module.
Dr. Wakata was born in 1963, in Saitama, Japan. He joined Japan Airlines (JAL) in 1989. In April 1992, Dr. Wakata was selected to be an astronaut candidate by the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA). After Mamoru Mohri, Chiaki Mukai, Takao Doi, Dr. Wakata became the fourth Japanese astronaut and in January 1996, he flew onboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. With the next mission, Dr. Wakata will be the first Japanese astronaut to have flown on three missions and stayed in the ISS for a long period of time.
3. Requirements of the equipment used in space
The International Space Station is in orbit around the earth. To create a safe facility for the astronauts to stay for a long time, onboard equipment must pass various safety reviews. For example, sharp edges are not permitted and materials must omit very little volatile gas. All the equipment must pass the various inspections such as off-gas test and pressure-reduction test to get the certificate from JAXA and NASA. The E-3 and its system accessories passed all examinations with splendid results.
The weight of the shuttle contents are minimized. Therefore, the smaller size and reduced weight of the E-System products is beneficial. The Olympus E-System is best suited for the space station thanks to its light weight, small size and the high reliability.
4. Equipment of the Olympus Space Project
Digital SLR camera Olympus E-3
Four Thirds compliant interchangeable lens units
- ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm F2.8-3.5
- ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 SWD
Power Battery Holder - HLD-4
AA Size Battery Holder - AABH-1
Remote Control - RM-1
