Through involvement with various projects at home and abroad,
Meisei continues to make history.
Since its incorporation in 1938, Meisei’s technology has been making history in many fields. Meisei’s technology has been consistently supporting the histories of meteorological observation and Space development in Japan.
We will continue to be involved in epoch-making projects through development of innovative products and systems.
1939
Meisei developed its first radiosonde.
Meisei received the first order of 1,000 radiosondes. Three types of sondes were manufactured to measure cloud, wind, and temperature & humidity.
1948
Radiosondes were delivered to the Central Meteorological Observatory.
Meisei developed “CMO-S48B code sending type radiosonde,” adopting the then innovative digital method. This product was delivered to the Central Meteorological Observatory and contributed to the establishment of reputation as “Meisei renowned with sonde”.
CMO-S49B code sending type radiosonde made in 1950
1952
A weather robot was delivered to the Central Meteorological Observatory.
Meisei’s radio technology realized unmanned observation of precipitation, which would replace the conventional manned observation in meteorological stations, and made it possible to observe precipitation in mountainous areas as well.
1955
Japan’s first electric instrument
launched by a rocket.
Meisei developed and delivered an FM-FM telemeter transmission system for the “Baby-T rocket” in 1955. The successful launch made us the Japan’s 1st manufacturer of electric instruments to be installed in rockets.
Baby-T Rocket ⒸJAXA
1964
Developed a rocketsonde.
Meisei developed a rocketsonde that observed the mesosphere thermosphere (altitude of 60 km above ground level). These rocketsondes were launched from the meteorological rocket observation center in Ayasato, Sanriku-cho (present Ofunato-shi), Iwate Prefecture. A total of 1,119 sondes had been launched by March 2001, when the rocket observations were ended.
1969
Meisei’s instruments were employed
by the Winter Party
of the 11th Japanese Antarctic
Research Exploration.
Meisei’s instruments played an important role in the observation of Aurora Polaris by rocket or balloon in the Antarctica from 1969 until 1985 ( for 16 consecutive years ), when the rocket experiments officially completed, and Meisei involved in all Aurora Polaris’ observations.
Aurora Polaris observation using balloons
by the Winter Party of the Japanese Antarctic Research Exploration
1974
AMeDAS (Automated Meteorological
Data Acquisition System)
was delivered to JMA.
“AMeDAS” is a meteorological instrument that became popular among Japanese people with its simple and easy-to-understand name. This unmanned observation system was deployed at 1,300 locations throughout Japan to observe precipitation, wind direction, wind velocity, temperature, and solar radiation.
“AMeDAS”
1982
Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI)
Meisei contributed to the development of “VLBI”, which observes radio sources of stars with a radio telescope for ultrawide measurement. It is now possible to detect tectonic plate motions in the order of 10cm/year with the VLBI technology, which is greatly contributing to the prediction of earthquake occurrence, etc.
[VLBI] installed in the Geographical Survey Institute
1983
NASA’s Space Shuttle launched with Meisei’s products.
Meisei delivered six mounted devices for Japan’s first artificial aurora experiment (SEPAC) using a space shuttle.
*SEPAC (Space Experiments with Particle Accelerators) is a joint US-Japan investigation.
[VLBI] installed in the Geographical Survey Institute
1991
Seismic intensity meter was delivered to JMA.
Meisei developed the world first seismic intensity meter. Seismic intensity measurement achieved a great progress from the conventional somatosensory method. Seismic information captured by the Seismic Intensity Meter is transmitted through telecommunication lines, and promptly delivered to the population through TV and other media thus contributing to the rapid deployment of emergency and rescue teams in the initial stage of earthquakes.
Seismic intensity meter
1994
Tsunami earthquake observation
instruments were delivered to JMA.
In light of the lessons learnt from the disastrous experiences in the Nihonkai-Chubu Earthquake and Southwest-off Hokkaido Earthquake (Okujiri Earthquake), Meisei’s tsunami earthquake observation instruments were deployed at 182 locations throughout Japan in order to detect earthquakes which may cause Tsunami as early as possible. These instruments allow around-the-clock observation of earthquakes throughout Japan and issue tidal wave information within approximately three minutes of the occurrence of an earthquake.
Seismic intensity meter
2000
AMOS
(Airport Meteorological Observing System)
AMOSs are installed at 50 airports throughout Japan to observe weather conditions at the airports and transmit the data to the Civil Aviation Bureau and airlines. Serving an important role in the safe operation of aircraft.
Airport Meteorological Observing System (AMOS) at Haneda Airport
2003
“Hayabusa” was equipped with X-Ray Spectrometer (XRS).
This “Hayabusa” was equipped with X-Ray Spectrometer (XRS), which was developed by MEISEI.Measuring the fluorescent X-rays emitted from the surface of an asteroid, it is possible to determine about the type of element are there.
Airport Meteorological Observing System (AMOS) at Haneda Airport
“Hayabusa” was launched aboard the M-V-5 Launch Vehicle.
©JAXA
2005
“Early Warning Seismometer”
The Early Warning Seismometer, developed jointly by Railway Technical Research Institute and Japan Meteorological Agency, is equipped with an early earthquake parameter estimation. The “Earthquake Early Warning System”, which uses a seismometer to stop a train before it shakes, contributes to the safety of railway operations. Its advanced technology has been adopted by JR companies and the Japan Meteorological Agency.
2007
Technical contribution to Selenological and Engineering Explorer “KAGUYA”
Of the 15 observation missions of KAGUYA, Meisei took charge of 8 mission. In 2008, a Hi-Vision camera of Meisei successfully shot “Full Earth from the Moon.”
2012
CubeSat “WE WISH”
“WE WISH”, Meisei’s first ever CubeSat, was released into space from the international space station on October 4. It subsequently orbited the Earth successfully and was in operation for longer than had been originally planned – a total of 158 days.
“WE WISH”
2014
Release of the world’s smallest and lightest iMS-100
Compared to conventional radiosonde devices, this global strategic product is a huge improvement in terms of miniaturization, lightness, safety, running cost and environmental load. A new type of sensor gives dramatically improved accuracy of observation.
“WE WISH”
“POTEKA®”
2014
“Hayabusa2” was equipped with Near Infrared Spectrometer (NIRS3), and The Deployable Camera (DCAM3).
“Hayabusa2″ was equipped with NIRS3 and DCAM3, NIRS3 find ubiquitous hydrated minerals on the surface by catch the reflected infrared, DCAM3 (Digital system) capture an image of Small Carry-on Impactor (SCI).”Hayabusa2” is going to return to Earth in 2020.
2015
POTEKA® information delivery service launched
The Japan Meteorological Agency approved POTEKA® launched its information delivery service. A range of benefits from the service are anticipated, such as countermeasures to regional climatic disasters.
“POTEKA®”
2019
The RS-11G GRUAN Data Product has been certified by GRUAN.
The certification for GPS Radiosonde RS-11G and its data processing (GRUAN Data Product) issued in GRUAN annual meeting ICM-11.
GRUAN: An international organization that facilitates the construction of highly accurate and sophisticated meteorological observation networks for monitoring climate change.
2022
Our second example, the iMS-100 for our second certification, GRUAN Data Product has been certified by GRUAN.
The certification for GPS Radiosonde iMS-100 and its data processing
(GRUAN Data Product) issued in GRUAN annual meeting ICM-14.
GRUAN: An international organization that facilitates the construction of highly accurate
and sophisticated meteorological observation networks for monitoring climate change.
2024
Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM)
Meisei Electric Equipment Contributed to a Successful Moon Landing
Meisei Electric was in charge of three devices installed on the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM).
Our Navigation Camera contributed to the world’s first pinpoint landing, and the Multi-Band Camera made observations to identify the composition of rocks exposed on the lunar surface.
| 1938 | Incorporated with capital of 300,000 yen in Shimomaruko, Kamata-ku, Tokyo |
|---|---|
| 1939 | Meisei developed its first radiosonde. |
| 1945 | Lost the plant due to the fire caused by the air raid. Relocated the head office and plant to Isesaki, Gunma. |
| 1946 | Relocated the head office to Omori, Ota-ku,Tokyo. |
| 1948 | Code sending type radiosondes delivered to the Central Meteorological Observatory Research Division |
| 1952 | Robot weather observing machines delivered to the Central Meteorological Observatory Research Division |
| 1953 | Designated common battery switchboard manufacturer by the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation (present NTT) |
| 1955 | Rocket telemeters delivered to the Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo |
| 1956 | Won AAA grades at the International Radiosonde Competition in Bayern, Switzerland |
| 1957 | Relocate the head office to Ginza, Tokyo. |
| 1962 | Stocks listed in the second section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange |
| 1964 | Moriya Plant completed |
| 1965 | Key telephone systems delivered to the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation |
| 1966 | Satellite tracking instrument delivered to the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, University of Tokyo RC type PABX delivered to the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation |
| 1967 | Relocate the head office to Koishikawa, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo. |
| 1968 | Isesaki Plant completed at Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture |
| 1969 | Meisei’s product used by the 11th Antarctic exploration team Echosonde for vessels delivered to the Japan Meteorological Agency |
| 1973 | Telemeter systems for disaster prevention of coastal areas delivered to the Japan Meteorological Agency |
| 1974 | Polar satellite data receiving units delivered to the Japan Meteorological Agency AMeDAS (Automated Meteorological Data Acquisition System) delivered to the Japan Meteorological Agency and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation |
| 1976 | Wired robot meteorological observation systems delivered to the Japan Meteorological Agency |
| 1978 | Hydrographic and meteorological automatic observation units delivered to Chiba Prefecture |
| 1979 | No. 4 key telephone systems delivered to the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation. |
| 1981 | Seismic telemeters delivered to JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) |
| 1982 | VLBI delivered to the Geographical Survey Institute |
| 1983 | EP-I0 electronic switching systems delivered to the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation. |
| 1985 | The Business Phone E Super Series (EK) was delivered to NTT (the former Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation) |
| 1986 | Seismic telemeters installed on Izu Oshima Island |
| 1987 | Aeronautical meteorological observation equipment system delivered to Turkish Republic. |
| 1988 | Seismic observation units delivered to Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport) |
| 1990 | Water supply monitoring system delivered to the Waterworks Bureau of Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture |
| 1991 | Seismic intensity meters delivered to the Japan Meteorological Agency and NHK AMeDAS installed throughout Japan |
| 1992 | Meisei Engineering Co., Ltd. (affiliate company) established (presently, Meisei Management Service Co., Ltd.) Participated in ISY (International Space Year). |
| 1994 | Tidal wave and seismic observation units delivered to the Japan Meteorological Agency Received ISO9001 certification |
| 1995 | JMA-95 type ground meteorological observation units delivered to the Japan Meteorological Agency |
| 1996 | Seismic intensity meters capable of measuring seismic intensity of up to 7 on the Japanese scale delivered to the Japan Meteorological Agency |
| 1999 | Quantitative tidal wave information processing systems delivered to the Japan Meteorological Agency |
| 2000 | AMOS delivered to the Japan Meteorological Agency |
| 2001 | Received ISO14001 certification |
| 2002 | Mission demonstration test satellite MDS-1 ‘Sakigake’ was successfully launched carrying Meisei’s space environment observation unit μ-LabSat No.1 was successfully launched carrying Meisei’s wireless transmission unit (satellite bus system) |
| 2003 | Seismic observation instruments with Nowcast function delivered to JMA. |
| 2004 | Released Earthquake information system |
| 2005 | Moriya plant integrated into Isesaki plant |
| 2006 | ARS(Auto Radiosonde System) delivered to Japan Meteorological Agency |
| 2007 | JMA Emergency earthquake bulletin receiving unit QCAST series S740 released Lunar explorer “KAGUYA” was successfully launched |
| 2009 | “Space Environment Data Acquisition equipment – Attached Payload” and “Monitor of All-sky X-ray Image”are installed onboard the International Space Station (ISS) |
| 2010 | Hayabusa returned: X-ray Spectrometer onboard played important role successfully |
| 2012 | Technology alliance with the South West Research Institute (SwRI) of USA Business alliance with IHI Corporation, and became a member of the IHI Group Cubesat “WE WISH” released successfully into space from the ISS |
| 2013 | Cubesat “WE WISH” entered atmosphere completing its mission successfully and satisfactory Epsilon-1launched successfully. Hot Gas Valve Motor Controller was onboard the Epsillon-1. Headquarter was moved to Isesaki-shi, Gunma Prefecture. Relocation of Tokyo branch offices to Toyosu IHI Building, Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo |
| 2014 | World smallest and lightest radiosonde “iMS-100″released for the market Deployable Camera and Near Infrared Spectrometer installed aboard the Asteroid Explorer “Hayabusa 2” |
| 2015 | Started POTEKA weather information service. |
| 2016 | Equipped “Arase” Geospace Probe with 7 instruments of observation system. |
| 2019 | Radiosonde (RS-11G) was certified by GRUAN (an international organization that promotes the establishment of Upper-air observation networks for climate change monitoring). |
| 2020 | The world’s first successful WLAN transmission between two spacecraft (Wireless LAN Demonstration: WLD) : MEISEI’s contribution to the development. |
| 2021 | IHI corporation became wholly-owning parent Company |
| 2022 | Radiosonde (iMS-100) was certified by GRUAN (an international organization that promotes the establishment of Upper-air observation networks for climate change monitoring). |
| 2023 | Merged our Hydrology business into IHI Construction Service Co., Ltd. Reorganized branch offices and service bases into two locations: Tokyo and Osaka |
| 2024 | Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) Meisei Electric Equipment Contributed to a Successful Moon Landing |
