The Calorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET) has successfully begun collecting data aboard the International Space Station (ISS). CALET, developed by a team of experts led by Shoji Torii, professor at the Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, in collaboration with JAXA, was launched on an H-IIB rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan on Aug. 19.

(Photo: https://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M102172/201510224839/_prw_OI2fl_AR7binZl.jpg )

The CALET project, by visualizing atomic nuclei and elementary particles, aims to observe high-energy cosmic rays in space for the first time. Researchers are trying to unravel the mysteries of the universe by observing the cosmic rays accelerated at supernova explosions and generated by annihilation and/or decay of dark matter. CALET's observations may find historically important clues to clarifying how the universe has evolved. CALET will remain on the ISS to conduct observations for more than two years, continuing to investigate the mysteries of the universe.

A feature article by Professor Torii includes more details:

http://www.waseda.jp/top/en-news/33872

Torii expressed enthusiasm about the project. "Since I was a child, I've been fascinated by whether there is an edge of the universe and how the universe was formed. I'm really looking forward to and excited at the project, thinking that it may unravel the big mysteries of the universe."

Profile: Shoji Torii

Professor, Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering

Director, Waseda Institute for Space Science Observations

Spokesperson for CALET

Shoji Torii graduated from Kyoto University's Faculty of Science in 1972, and earned a doctoral degree in science from Kyoto University in 1978. He was appointed as a researcher at the University of Tokyo Institute for Cosmic Ray Research. Torii also served as a research associate at Utah State University's Physics Department. Since 2004, he has served as a professor at the Waseda University Faculty of Science and Engineering. He specializes in cosmic-ray physics.

Reference:

Torii Laboratory: http://calet.jp/en/

CALET: http://calet.jp/en/

Waseda University is dedicated to research outreach. The University supports projects like this to help the public understand how innovative research contributes to society and people's livelihoods, thereby increasing familiarity with scientific research.

For further information on Waseda's research, visit: www.waseda.jp/top/en/research

Waseda University is a leading institution in Japan, founded in 1882 with three principles: academic independence, practical innovation, and building an enlightened citizenship, to provide progressive leadership for the world. Waseda has stayed true to these ideals, educating seven prime ministers and countless other politicians, business leaders, journalists, diplomats, scholars, scientists, inventors, actors, writers and artists.

Waseda's history and tradition is to tirelessly challenge convention, in favor of progress and innovation.  By its 150th anniversary in 2032, the University has committed to expanding its leadership in Asia and around the world.