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The Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) "Daichi" is expected to contribute to the environment protection on a global scale. We interviewed Dr. Masanobu Shimada from JAXA (The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), who is a leader in this research.
The Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) "Daichi" watches the Earth through three eyes to carry out four missions.
- Q:
Please tell us about your work.
- Dr. Shimada:
-
I belong to a group that conducts analytical research using Daichi. Daichi is equipped with three global observation sensors. The observation data gathered by regular satellite sensors contains two types of information: brightness and surface position. The raw data, however, contains noise and lines, and is distorted due to the effects of the Earth's rotation and the direction in which the sensor is looking at the Earth. The first job after the data is gathered is to correctly calibrate this data, for example by correcting distortions, accurately aligning positions, and eliminating noise. To do this, we have to discover the sensor's chracateristics, and establish rules that will compensate for those distortions.
Once the calibration is complete, we use that data to identify changes in the global environment, and to conduct analyses that enable us to identify the location of earthquakes. This is an important part of our job. We also provide data to researchers who are selected among the applicants throughout the world, so that they can put this data to use.
- Q:
What is Daichi's mission?
- Dr. Shimada:
Daichi has four main missions.
- To create maps on a scale of 1/25,000
Daichi is equipped with a sensor called "PRISM," which has a resolution of 2.5 m, so on a clear day, it can observe the Earth with a level of accuracy required to create maps on a scale of 1/25,000. - Regional observation
Daichi observes regions that affect changes in the global environment; for example, logging activities around the Amazon River or on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo in Southeast Asia. It is also preparing to make observations of changes in Polar Regions at both the North Pole and the South Pole. - Disaster observation
In the event of a large earthquake or other disaster, Daichi gathers satellite information on the affected regions, and provides data to the police and other relevant agencies. As a member of the "International Charter - Space and Major Disasters," JAXA provides observation data free of charge regarding large-scale disasters occurring around the world to contribute to reducing the risks brought about by such disasters. - Searching for resources
This is actually a mission of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, but Daichi uses its Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) to seek out crude oil by investigating the fold of the Earth.
In addition, the new technologies installed in Daichi will be used in research that will contribute to technological development in the future.
- To create maps on a scale of 1/25,000
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