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Kiyoaki Okudaira
Kyushu University Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Satellite, Space Debris, Astrodynamics

Kiyoaki Okudaira

I am an undergraduate student at Kyushu University Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. My research interests lie in the field of astrodynamics and astronomy.

My current research experiences include optical observation into fragmentation of Russian EKRAN 2 Spacecraft, trajectory analysis by plate solve & IOD (Initial Orbit Determination), and the Q-Li satellite development.

Resume

Research Projects

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Search Strategy for Unknown Space Objects for the Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities

With Professor Hanada, Professor Nakajima, and Professor Yoshimura, I am investigating fragmentations of Russian EKRAN 2 Spacecraft, which were supposed to be generated by an explosion of a battery loaded on. By using an astronomical telescope (the 40cm reflecting telescope at the Pegasus Astronomical Observatory), we are trying to capture trajectories of these fragmentations Then, we are analyzing orbital elements and forms of them by using plate-solving method and lightcurve.

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Q-Li Project

We are developing the Q-Li satellite, whose objective is to contribute to the space debris problem. As a mission analysis team member, I calculated an ideal orbit and design of Q-Li satellite for its mission. In addition, I computed suitable observation condition including its lightcurve and elevation angle etc.

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Space Engineering Observation Project

In this project, with Professor Hanada, Professor Nakajima, and Professor Yoshimura, I calculated orbit prediction of satellites and took pictures of them through an astronomical telescope (the 40cm reflecting telescope in Kyushu University). Using these pictures, I determined actual astronomical position of the satellites by Plate Solve method and its' orbital elements by Gauss's IOD (Initial Orbit Determination) method.

Awards

Prizes

  • Yamakawa Prize (President’s Award), Kyushu University
    • Awarded excellent academic record and acts for humanity, sociability, and internationally
  • KIKAN Education Award (Dean’s Award; Top 2% freshman GPA), Kyushu University
  • Student Presentation Award, JSASS Western Branch Symposium, 2023
  • Olga Bannova Award, Global Education Program in NASA, 2024
    • Awarded excellent presentation & team work about space exploration and space architecture in the program

Scholarship

  • Keidanren Global Human Resource Development Scholarship (Planned from 2025.09 - 2026.06; Final Selection passed)

Publications

Conference Paper

  • Kiyoaki Okudaira, Yasuhiro Yoshimura, Kensuke Nakajima, Hidehiro Hata, Kumi Nitta, and Toshiya Hanada: Investigation into Fragmentation of the Russian EKRAN 2 Spacecraft, 45th COSPAR Scientific Assembly, PEDAS.1-0033-24, 2024.
  • Kiyoaki Okudaira, Toshiya Hanada, Kensuke Nakajima, and Yasuhiro Yoshimura: Optical observation and investigation into Fragmentation of Russian EKRAN 2 Spacecraft, JSASS Western Branch Symposium, JSASS-2023-S031, 2023.

Conference Poster

  • Kiyoaki Okudaira, Yasuhiro Yoshimura, Kensuke Nakajima, and Toshiya Hanada: Investigation into Fragmentation of the Russian EKRAN series Spacecraft, 68th Space Science and Technology conference, P120, 2024.