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Expanding the Frontiers of Our Future with Space Applications

Space Applications Mission Directorate

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

Protecting the Earth and supporting our daily lives

from space

Space Applications Mission Directoratehttp://www.satnavi.jaxa.jp/index_e.html

Published March 2012

Pub

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d by

: Spa

ce A

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atio

ns M

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on D

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e, J

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Printed in Japan

Regional and Local Government

2

Contents

Message from the Executive Director …2

The Role of the Space Applications Mission Directorate……………………… 3Earth Environment Observation Program …………………………………5Disaster Monitoring and Communications Program ………………7

Satellite Positioning Program ……………9

Expanding Satellite Applications ……11

Technology Development to Support Satellite Missions ………………………12JAXA’s Satellite Development Programs ………………………………13

An image of Tokyo Bay and its environs captured by Advanced Land Observing Satellite "DAICHI" (ALOS)

Cover: Japan seen from Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite "IBUKI" (GOSAT)

Dr. Masanori HommaExecutive DirectorSpace Applications Mission Directorate

Message from the Executive DirectorSpace application systems—centering on satellites—are already an essential part of our daily lives and crucial to the functioning of global society. Responses to major disasters, including the Great East Japan Earthquake, have heightened expectations regarding space applications and their ability to address new needs, thereby helping to build a safer, more secure society. Through the development, operation and utilization of satellites, the Space Applications Mission Directorate contributes to the protection of the Earth’s environment and disaster monitoring, and proposes new services based on advanced communications and positioning technologies, with the aim of contributing to the enhancement of people’s lives, in Japan and around the world. Furthermore, by disseminating the achievements of satellite research and development (R&D) and application technology, we are also contributing to the development of the space application industry and the practical realization of new services. Looking ahead, within an increasingly diverse society, there are a number of important questions that the Space Applications Mission Directorate must address: What is needed to make our lives more secure and convenient? How can satellites help to meet these needs? How do we pursue steady contributions to society? I would like us to think about these questions constantly, and hope that we may work together with all our stakeholders as we strive toward our goals. I trust that this brochure will be a useful bridge toward building a dialogue with our stakeholders.

3 4

JAXA

The Role of the Space Applications Mission Directorate

The Goals Pursued by the Space Applications Mission DirectorateSatellites are already an essential part of our daily lives, in such areas as weather information provided by Geostationary Meteorological Satellites, Global Positioning System (GPS)-based automotive navigation, as well as broadcast and communications satellites. The Space Applications Mission Directorate develops Earth observing satellites, communications satellites and positioning satellites, conducts technology demonstration and contributes to the realization of a safe, secure and affluent society.

Sea ice in the Sea of Okhotsk

InternationalInstitutions

ResearchInstitutions

CentralGovernment


BusinessEnterprises

ScienceCommunity

Identification ofNeeds

Provision of Data and Services


Technology Development

Satellite Development

Generationof New

Missions

Satellite Operation

Application Research

Application Demonstrations

Rea

lizat

ion

ofa

Saf

e, S

ecur

e an

d A

fflue

nt S

ocie

ty

Generation of New Satellite Missions Based on Society’s Needs and Technology DevelopmentThe realization of a safe, secure and affluent society will require the further development and adoption of existing satellite applications while simultaneously formulating and executing new satellite missions. In working to achieve this goal, the Space Applications Mission Directorate will pursue satellite technology-related develop-ment while also generating applications for satellite utilization in new fields based on needs in Japan and overseas, as it aims to further expand satellite use.

Shiretoko Peninsula (Hokkaido)

Mount Fuji

Maldives

JAXA carries out a broad range of aerospace-related R&D, including launch vehicle, space station and space science research. The Space Applications Mission Directorate is involved in the R&D and application of satellites that support our daily lives, in such fields as Earth observation and satellite communications and satellite positioning.

SatelliteUtilization

SpaceScience

FundamentalTechnologyResearch

AviationTechnologyResearch

SpaceTransportation

Systems

Utilizationof the SpaceEnvironment

Returning Benefits to Society and the Economy through Three Key Programs Under the 4th Science and Technology Basic Plan (FY2011—FY2015), which sets out the Japanese government’s fundamental agenda for science and technology, key pillars for the realization of sustained future growth and social development include reconstruc-tion and regeneration following the Great East Japan Earthquake and “Promotion of Green Innovation” in such fields as the environ-ment and energy. To bolster Japan’s foundations, the plan promotes R&D related to satellite development and application. Furthermore, the Basic Plan for Space Policy and the Long-Term Plan for Space Development, which form part of Japan’s national strategy, stipulate the promotion of various satellite systems that will contribute to the realization of a safe, secure and affluent society. Based on these policies the Space Applications Mission Directorate focuses it R&D efforts on three key programs—the Earth Environment Observation Program, the Disaster Monitoring and Communications Program, and the Satellite Positioning Program. As well as broadly returning the benefits of this R&D to society and the economy, the Space Applications Mission Director-ate aims to contribute to the commercialization and practical application of research results and the widespread utilization of satellites. This includes the provision of satellite data and communi-cation tools to users in such fields as meteorology, the management of agricultural, forestry and fisheries resources, disaster prevention, land use, Earth observation, education and health care.

EarthEnvironmentObservation

Program

DisasterMonitoring and

CommunicationsProgram

SatellitePositioningProgram

ⓒJAXA, METI

ⓒJAXA, METI Analyzed by JAXA

CO2

©JAXA/NIEA/MOE

360 390380XCO2（ppm）

370

©JAXA/NIEA/MOE

360 390380XCO2（ppm）

370

©JAXA/NIEA/MOE

360 390380XCO2（ppm）

370

©JAXA/NIEA/MOE

360 390380XCO2（ppm）

370

5 6

IARC-JAXA

AMSR-E Sea Ice Extent

Sea

ice

cove

r (M

illio

ns o

f km

2 )

1

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

IARC-JAXA

2011/10/03

2005年

2007年

2011年

(Month)

“IBUKI”

Earth Environment Observation Program

Environmental problems are among the most serious and pressing issues that need to be addressed on a global scale. To find solutions to such issues, we need to build a day-to-day worldwide picture of the Earth’s environment encompassing the land, ocean and atmosphere, and analyze and apply this data across a broad array of fields. Earth observing satellites are able to observe large areas on a regular, ongoing basis using uniform standards.

Satellite-Based Environmental ObservationBy analyzing satellite observation data and making this information available to researchers, we aim to contribute to better understanding of environmental problems, including global warming and climate change. Such data includes detailed observation of forest and land use changes by the ALOS series, observation of the global concentration distribution of greenhouse gases by “IBUKI” (GOSAT), and water circulation, cloud and aerosol data provided by the GCOM series.

Contribution to Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) GEOSS—established by an Earth Observation Summit—is an international effort to build a comprehensive infrastructure for observing the Earth from space and terrestrially, with the aim of addressing a range of issues. JAXA’s Earth observing satellites will make a substantial contribution to GEOSS.

・ Verifying CO2 emission reductions globally・ Providing evaluation criteria for the United Nations

collaborative initiative on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation in developing countries (UN-REDD Programme)

Earth Observation SystemAdvanced Land

Observing Satellite(ALOS) series

Greenhouse gasesObserving SATellite “IBUKI” (GOSAT)

Global Precipitation Measurement / Dual-frequency

Precipitation Radar(GPM/DPR)

Earth Clouds, Aerosols and

Radiation Explorer / Cloud Profiling Radar

(EarthCARE/CPR)

Global ChangeObservation

Mission 1st-Climate（GCOM C–1）


Mission 1st-Water “SHIZUKU”

（GCOM W–1）

Noshiro, Akita

Vegetation

CrustalDeformation

Greenhouse Gases

Radiosonde

GroundObservation Site

Aircraft

Buoy

Precipitation

Clouds / Aerosols

Sea Color

Ship

WaterVapor

Sea SurfaceTemperatureSea Surface

Wind

Soil Moisture

Satellite ObservationData

Ground / AirborneObservation Data

Dat

a In

tegr

atio

n an

d An

alys

is S

yste

m

Dat

a U

sers

Con

tribu

tion

to G

EOSS

Observation ofArctic Sea IceArctic Sea ice observation data is valuable in Arctic research and other fields, which are essential for weather and climate modeling. Decreases in Arctic Sea ice are thought to be a manifestation of the impact of global warming. On September 24, 2007, the area of Arctic Sea ice was the smallest recorded since observations began. Ongoing observations revealed that on September 9, 2011, Arctic Sea ice cover had shrunk to the second-smallest area ever recorded.

Distribution of Greenhouse Gas Concentrations“IBUKI” provides data from regions that previously lacked observation coverage, and observes seasonal and annual changes in CO2 concentration distribution, thereby contributing to global warming prevention efforts. Until recently, measurements of the global distribution of greenhouse gas concentrations have been inadequate. Thanks to “IBUKI,” researchers are now able to acquire such data.

Forest ObservationData from ALOS has been used by government agencies in Brazil to help reduce illegal logging in the Amazon region. Forest protection is crucial since forests act as carbon sinks by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. The ALOS series carries radar instruments capable of making observations even at night or when it is raining. By utilizing the ALOS series’ ability to make observations unobstructed by cloud cover, we are able to produce forest distribution data on a global scale, and map changes in this distribution.

Global map of forest distribution based on data from ALOS

SAFE is a project that utilizes environmental observation data covering the Asia-Pacific region for the long-term monitoring of the impacts of climate change and human activity in the region. Based on a proposal by JAXA, SAFE was officially launched in December 2008 at the 15th Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-15). SAFE provides verification data for programs in such areas as forestry and water resource management in many Asian countries.

Global Warming Observation / Contribution to Global Warming Prevention

Change in Arctic Sea Ice Cover

September 24, 2007

Seasonal Change2010 2011

May 2010 May 2011

August 2010 August 2011

Average CO2 Concentration Based on “IBUKI” Observation Data

Annu

al C

hang

e

Space Applications for Environment (SAFE): Environmental Observation in the Asia-Pacific Region

ALOSSeries

ForestSink

Source

Satellite Applications that Contribute to Green Innovation

Sea Ice Extension

ⓒJAXA, METI

ⓒJAXA, METI Analyzed by JAXA

CO2

©JAXA/NIEA/MOE

360 390380XCO2（ppm）

370

©JAXA/NIEA/MOE

360 390380XCO2（ppm）

370

©JAXA/NIEA/MOE

360 390380XCO2（ppm）

370

©JAXA/NIEA/MOE

360 390380XCO2（ppm）

370

5 6

IARC-JAXA

AMSR-E Sea Ice ExtentSe

a ic

e co

ver (

Mill

ions

of k

m2 )

1

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

IARC-JAXA

2011/10/03

2005年

2007年

2011年

(Month)

“IBUKI”

Earth Environment Observation Program

Environmental problems are among the most serious and pressing issues that need to be addressed on a global scale. To find solutions to such issues, we need to build a day-to-day worldwide picture of the Earth’s environment encompassing the land, ocean and atmosphere, and analyze and apply this data across a broad array of fields. Earth observing satellites are able to observe large areas on a regular, ongoing basis using uniform standards.

Satellite-Based Environmental ObservationBy analyzing satellite observation data and making this information available to researchers, we aim to contribute to better understanding of environmental problems, including global warming and climate change. Such data includes detailed observation of forest and land use changes by the ALOS series, observation of the global concentration distribution of greenhouse gases by “IBUKI” (GOSAT), and water circulation, cloud and aerosol data provided by the GCOM series.

Contribution to Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) GEOSS—established by an Earth Observation Summit—is an international effort to build a comprehensive infrastructure for observing the Earth from space and terrestrially, with the aim of addressing a range of issues. JAXA’s Earth observing satellites will make a substantial contribution to GEOSS.

・ Verifying CO2 emission reductions globally・ Providing evaluation criteria for the United Nations

collaborative initiative on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation in developing countries (UN-REDD Programme)

Earth Observation SystemAdvanced Land

Observing Satellite(ALOS) series

Greenhouse gasesObserving SATellite “IBUKI” (GOSAT)

Global Precipitation Measurement / Dual-frequency

Precipitation Radar(GPM/DPR)

Earth Clouds, Aerosols and

Radiation Explorer / Cloud Profiling Radar

(EarthCARE/CPR)


Mission 1st-Climate（GCOM C–1）


Mission 1st-Water “SHIZUKU”

（GCOM W–1）

Noshiro, Akita

Vegetation

CrustalDeformation

Greenhouse Gases

Radiosonde

GroundObservation Site

Aircraft

Buoy

Precipitation

Clouds / Aerosols

Sea Color

Ship

WaterVapor

Sea SurfaceTemperatureSea Surface

Wind

Soil Moisture

Satellite ObservationData

Ground / AirborneObservation Data

Dat

a In

tegr

atio

n an

d An

alys

is S

yste

m

Dat

a U

sers

Con

tribu

tion

to G

EOSS

Observation ofArctic Sea IceArctic Sea ice observation data is valuable in Arctic research and other fields, which are essential for weather and climate modeling. Decreases in Arctic Sea ice are thought to be a manifestation of the impact of global warming. On September 24, 2007, the area of Arctic Sea ice was the smallest recorded since observations began. Ongoing observations revealed that on September 9, 2011, Arctic Sea ice cover had shrunk to the second-smallest area ever recorded.

Distribution of Greenhouse Gas Concentrations“IBUKI” provides data from regions that previously lacked observation coverage, and observes seasonal and annual changes in CO2 concentration distribution, thereby contributing to global warming prevention efforts. Until recently, measurements of the global distribution of greenhouse gas concentrations have been inadequate. Thanks to “IBUKI,” researchers are now able to acquire such data.

Forest ObservationData from ALOS has been used by government agencies in Brazil to help reduce illegal logging in the Amazon region. Forest protection is crucial since forests act as carbon sinks by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. The ALOS series carries radar instruments capable of making observations even at night or when it is raining. By utilizing the ALOS series’ ability to make observations unobstructed by cloud cover, we are able to produce forest distribution data on a global scale, and map changes in this distribution.

Global map of forest distribution based on data from ALOS

SAFE is a project that utilizes environmental observation data covering the Asia-Pacific region for the long-term monitoring of the impacts of climate change and human activity in the region. Based on a proposal by JAXA, SAFE was officially launched in December 2008 at the 15th Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-15). SAFE provides verification data for programs in such areas as forestry and water resource management in many Asian countries.

Global Warming Observation / Contribution to Global Warming Prevention

Change in Arctic Sea Ice Cover

September 24, 2007

Seasonal Change2010 2011

May 2010 May 2011

August 2010 August 2011

Average CO2 Concentration Based on “IBUKI” Observation Data

Annu

al C

hang

e

Space Applications for Environment (SAFE): Environmental Observation in the Asia-Pacific Region

ALOSSeries

ForestSink

Source

Satellite Applications that Contribute to Green Innovation

Sea Ice Extension

JAXA

7 8

©JAXA©JAXA

Disaster Monitoring and Communications Program

Satellite technology is becoming ever more essential in such fields as disaster management. JAXA’s Earth observation satellites are able to provide images when disaster strikes, including earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions. Communications satellites can transmit information without the use of ground-based infrastructure. JAXA pursues the R&D of satellites that will be unaffected by disasters, and hence can be utilized for disaster management.

Satellite Systems in Disaster MonitoringWe conduct monitoring of disaster-affected areas by leveraging the unique strengths of satellites, including such capabilities as observation at night and during bad weather, as well as repeated and wide-area observation. We also collaborate with research institutions and other organizations to process observation data into information useful for disaster response and management, and work to provide such information as rapidly as possible to government agencies and organizations involved in disaster management.

Showa Station, Antarctica


DisasterManagement

Agencies

Regionaland Local

Government

UtilityCompanies Mass Media

Disaster Monitoring and Communications System

ProcessingCenter

・ Immediate Provision

Organizations Sharing DisasterManagement Information

ALOS Series “IBUKI”Data RelayTest Satellite (DRTS)

OverseasInstitutions

Data Gathering andDistribution System

Engineering Test Satellite VIII “KIKU-8” (ETS-VIII)

Wideband InterNetworking Engineering Test and Demonstration Satellite “KIZUNA” (WINDS)

Satellite-BasedDisaster MonitoringGlobal Satellite Mapping ofPrecipitation

Satellite Image Map

GEOSCIENCE / NTT Data / RESTEC included ©JAXA

We prepare a global precipitation distribution map and satellite image maps based on ALOS monitoring data, which contribute to the prevention and reduction of disaster damage. The global precipitation map, which is published on the Internet in near-real-time, is utilized particularly in Asian countries as flood early-warning information. The ALOS satellite image maps are used in map-based disaster prevention and civil protection exercises in Japan and as key cartographic information for initial disaster response.

Emergency Monitoring by the ALOS Series The ALOS series uses radar and optical sensors to conduct monitoring of such disasters as earthquakes, landslides and floods. JAXA provides monitoring data to disaster management agencies in Japan and overseas within three days of a disaster’s occurrence, which is useful for determining the extent of disaster damage.

Post-Disaster (March 14, 2011) Pre-Disaster （February 27, 2011）

Natori, Miyagi

Soma, Fukushima

Dark areaindicatestsunamiinundation

The tsunami triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake caused flooding over a broad area (approximately 25 km×75 km), including Sendai Airport (Natori, Miyagi)

Disaster

JAXA’s Initiatives in the “Disaster

Prevention and Management Cycle”

Damage Preventio

n

and Mitigati

on

Emergency

Disaster Response

Use of “KIZUNA” (WINDS) in Sentinel Asia Under the Sentinel Asia (Disaster Management Support System in the Asia-Pacific Region) program, “KIZUNA” is utilized to provide a wideband satellite network to countries that lack adequate Internet infrastructure as a means of transmitting satellite observation information. Dedicated ground stations have been established in Asia and the Pacific, which are used for the rapid determination of disaster situations by speeding up information transmission.

GOSAT is able to observe disasters that affect a wide area, such as volcanic eruptions and large-scale forest fires. During the volcanic eruption in Iceland, JAXA provided observation data in response to a request by the British government, and this information was used to confirm safety for the reopening of air routes.

Observation of Volcanic Eruption in Iceland by “IBUKI”

International Frameworks for Disaster MonitoringProvision of Satellite Monitoring Information in Response to Overseas Disasters International Charter “Space and Major Disasters”JAXA participates in space agency-focused international cooperation frameworks. Based on requests through the International Charter “Space and Major Disasters,” Earth observing satellites operated by member countries cooperate to provide observation information on disaster-affected areas. JAXA makes a significant contribution within this framework. Sentinel AsiaSentinel Asia is an initiative for sharing disaster information, including satellite observation data. JAXA acts as the secretariat of Sentinel Asia, which provides a system encompassing space agencies and disaster management agencies in Asia with the aim of strengthening disaster monitoring in the Asia-Pacific region. Sixty-seven organizations from 24 countries and regions, along with 11 international institutions, participate in Sentinel Asia, which coordinates its activities with the International Charter “Space and Major Disasters.”

Detailed Wide-Area Observationfrom Space

International Charter“Space and MajorDisasters”

Sentinel Asia

InformationTransmission

InformationSharing

CapacityBuildingHuman

ResourceDevelopment

Collaboration between Disaster Management Agencies and Space Agencies

Non-ProfitOrganizations(NPOs) andResidents

・24-Hour Response

Preparedness

Rec

onstr

uc

tion

Reh

abilit

ation

and

JAXA

7 8

©JAXA©JAXA

Disaster Monitoring and Communications Program

Satellite technology is becoming ever more essential in such fields as disaster management. JAXA’s Earth observation satellites are able to provide images when disaster strikes, including earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions. Communications satellites can transmit information without the use of ground-based infrastructure. JAXA pursues the R&D of satellites that will be unaffected by disasters, and hence can be utilized for disaster management.

Satellite Systems in Disaster MonitoringWe conduct monitoring of disaster-affected areas by leveraging the unique strengths of satellites, including such capabilities as observation at night and during bad weather, as well as repeated and wide-area observation. We also collaborate with research institutions and other organizations to process observation data into information useful for disaster response and management, and work to provide such information as rapidly as possible to government agencies and organizations involved in disaster management.

Showa Station, Antarctica


DisasterManagement

Agencies

Regionaland Local

Government

UtilityCompanies Mass Media

Disaster Monitoring and Communications System

ProcessingCenter

・ Immediate Provision

Organizations Sharing DisasterManagement Information

ALOS Series “IBUKI”Data RelayTest Satellite (DRTS)

OverseasInstitutions

Data Gathering andDistribution System

Engineering Test Satellite VIII “KIKU-8” (ETS-VIII)

Wideband InterNetworking Engineering Test and Demonstration Satellite “KIZUNA” (WINDS)

Satellite-BasedDisaster MonitoringGlobal Satellite Mapping ofPrecipitation

Satellite Image Map

GEOSCIENCE / NTT Data / RESTEC included ©JAXA

We prepare a global precipitation distribution map and satellite image maps based on ALOS monitoring data, which contribute to the prevention and reduction of disaster damage. The global precipitation map, which is published on the Internet in near-real-time, is utilized particularly in Asian countries as flood early-warning information. The ALOS satellite image maps are used in map-based disaster prevention and civil protection exercises in Japan and as key cartographic information for initial disaster response.

Emergency Monitoring by the ALOS Series The ALOS series uses radar and optical sensors to conduct monitoring of such disasters as earthquakes, landslides and floods. JAXA provides monitoring data to disaster management agencies in Japan and overseas within three days of a disaster’s occurrence, which is useful for determining the extent of disaster damage.

Post-Disaster (March 14, 2011) Pre-Disaster （February 27, 2011）

Natori, Miyagi

Soma, Fukushima

Dark areaindicatestsunamiinundation

The tsunami triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake caused flooding over a broad area (approximately 25 km×75 km), including Sendai Airport (Natori, Miyagi)

Disaster

JAXA’s Initiatives in the “Disaster

Prevention and Management Cycle”

Damage Preventio

n and Mitig

ation

Emergency

Disaster Response

Use of “KIZUNA” (WINDS) in Sentinel Asia Under the Sentinel Asia (Disaster Management Support System in the Asia-Pacific Region) program, “KIZUNA” is utilized to provide a wideband satellite network to countries that lack adequate Internet infrastructure as a means of transmitting satellite observation information. Dedicated ground stations have been established in Asia and the Pacific, which are used for the rapid determination of disaster situations by speeding up information transmission.

GOSAT is able to observe disasters that affect a wide area, such as volcanic eruptions and large-scale forest fires. During the volcanic eruption in Iceland, JAXA provided observation data in response to a request by the British government, and this information was used to confirm safety for the reopening of air routes.

Observation of Volcanic Eruption in Iceland by “IBUKI”

International Frameworks for Disaster MonitoringProvision of Satellite Monitoring Information in Response to Overseas Disasters International Charter “Space and Major Disasters”JAXA participates in space agency-focused international cooperation frameworks. Based on requests through the International Charter “Space and Major Disasters,” Earth observing satellites operated by member countries cooperate to provide observation information on disaster-affected areas. JAXA makes a significant contribution within this framework. Sentinel AsiaSentinel Asia is an initiative for sharing disaster information, including satellite observation data. JAXA acts as the secretariat of Sentinel Asia, which provides a system encompassing space agencies and disaster management agencies in Asia with the aim of strengthening disaster monitoring in the Asia-Pacific region. Sixty-seven organizations from 24 countries and regions, along with 11 international institutions, participate in Sentinel Asia, which coordinates its activities with the International Charter “Space and Major Disasters.”

Detailed Wide-Area Observationfrom Space

International Charter“Space and MajorDisasters”

Sentinel Asia

InformationTransmission

InformationSharing

CapacityBuildingHuman

ResourceDevelopment

Collaboration between Disaster Management Agencies and Space Agencies

Non-ProfitOrganizations(NPOs) andResidents

・24-Hour Response

Preparedness

Rec

onstr

uction

Reh

abilit

ation

and

109

Satellite Positioning Program

Navigation systems and other GPS applications have become an essential part of our everyday lives. However, service accuracy for users in mountainous regions and “urban canyons” created by tall buildings is often reduced owing to inadequate signal availability. To remedy this problem, JAXA is involved in building the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), which will provide positioning signals from almost directly overhead Japan and enhance positioning performance and coverage.

First Quasi-Zenith Satellite MICHIBIKI

L-band helical antenna carried by MICHIBIKI

GPS Satellites

Issues for Users of Current Positioning Systems

Effects of Mountains and Tall BuildingsSatellite positioning requires simultaneous line-of-sight to four or more satellites. However, much of Japan’s terrain is very mountainous and its cities feature clusters of tall buildings. When such obstructions reduce the number of visible satellites, this limits the times during which positioning is possible and also decreases positioning accuracy.

Positioning Accuracy IssuesWhen receiving and processing GPS signals, accuracy is affected by such factors as the ionosphere, atmospheric vapor content and multipath signals (caused by reflection off buildings and trees), meaning the positioning margin of error is approximately 10 meters.

Positioning Availability EnhancementQZSS will be able to provide additional signals to compensate when line-of-sight to GPS satellites is reduced owing to “shadows” created by mountains or tall buildings. This will significantly increase the time during which positioning is available.

Positioning Performance EnhancementPositioning by moving objects will achieve sub-meter accuracy, while for stationary applications, such as surveying, centimeter-level resolution will be possible.

Emergency Message TransmissionQuasi-Zenith Satellites can also transmit disaster information and other emergency information.

Improvements through QZSS

Positioning Reliability EnhancementIt will be possible to receive notification of any Quasi-Zenith Satellite or GPS satellite anomalies in less than a minute.

How QZSS Will Change the FutureAlthough satellite positioning systems are already used in a diverse array of fields, QZSS will open up an even greater range of applications. It is hoped that this will lead to the realization of a more convenient, safer and more secure society.

Contributing to a Safe and

Secure Society

・ Meticulous driving support

・ Driving safety support・ Railway safety systems

utilizing positioning information

Transportationand Logistics

・ Precise location information on emergency callers to police or fire departments, even in mountainous regions and urban canyons

・ Transmission of emergency information during disasters

DisasterManagement

・ Remote management of construction machinery based on position and time information

・ Research into unmanned, automated construction operations utilizing precise positioning

Civil Engineeringand Construction

・ Enhanced convenience for personal navigation systems in urban areas with concentrations of tall buildings

・ Enhanced safety for such leisure activities as mountain climbing

Personal NavigationSystems and Leisure

・ Forest management in mountainous regions

・ Research into applications for tractor operation support and automated operation

Forestryand Agriculture

・ Heavy rain forecasting using such information as positioning signal delay, air temperature and air pressure. Enhanced precision in urban torrential rain forecasting

Meteorology

Multi-GNSS Demonstration Campaign in the Asia Oceania RegionQuasi-Zenith Satellites will orbit above the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, making it possible to provide positioning service over the entire Asia Oceania region. This region is set to receive early benefits of multiple global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), which are being planned and developed by various countries. JAXA is pursuing a collaborative Multi-GNSS Demonstration Campaign with the aim of promoting increased utilization of such systems in the region.

The asymmetric figure-8 footprint of MICHIBIKI’s orbit

GPSアンテナ「みちびき」アンテナ

行政・現業利用国土地理院（地図作成、更新）、気象庁（天気予報、台風解析）、

環境省（緑の国勢調査、サンゴ礁調査）、海上保安庁（オホーツク海海氷速報）、内閣府、警察庁、消防庁（防災利用）

など

新たな利用に向けた研究

国内外の大学、研究機関などと農業、漁業、気候変動、気象、災害など様々な分野での

共同研究

地方自治体防災協力、産業廃棄物不法廃棄監視など

民間利用地図、土地利用、農業、漁業、

気象、環境、災害、出版、放送、教育、観光、

医療など

国際協力JICA、ユネスコ、世界銀行、

アジア開発銀行など

1 2

3 4

5

The Space Applications Mission Directorate formulates technology monitoring strategies related to satellite development, and carries out technology monitoring of mission equipment, including satellites and observation sensors. The technologies developed and demonstrated by JAXA are used not only in JAXA satellites but also in commercial satellites. We also undertake development of analytical methods for such purposes as evaluating Earth observing sensors and enhancing monitoring accuracy. In addition, we conduct satellite data analysis to enable the effective use of satellite data, and apply the results of analyses to future satellite development.

Expanding Satellite Applications

JAXA strives to ensure that the results of space development are broadly returned to society, while contributing to the practical application and commercialization of new technologies, and works to promote increased satellite utilization. JAXA will continue to identify and propose new application fields based on society’s needs, while aiming to firmly establish and further expand satellite utilization in society.

Agriculture

Research is being conducted into the automated control of agricultural machinery using satellite technology. MICHIBIKI enhances positioning accuracy and availability, potentially enabling the automation of agricultural operations.

GPS antennaMICHIBIKIantenna

Clinic in OgasawaraVillage

Transmission of X-ray Image

Transmission of Endoscope Image

A demonstration test was carried out in which a clinic in the Ogasawara island group (some 1,000 km south of the Japanese mainland) and Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital were linked via “KIZUNA” to conduct radiographic image diagnosis.

X-ray Image

Endoscope Image Diagnosis

Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital

“KIZUNA”

Joint research with universities and research institutions in Japan and abroad in a wide range of fields, including agriculture, fisheries, climate change, meteorology and disasters

Cartography, land use, agriculture, fisheries, meteorology, environment, disasters, publishing, broadcasting, etc.

Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (map making), Japan Meteorological Agency (weather forecasting), Ministry of the Environment (National Survey on the Natural Environment, coral reef monitoring), Japan Coast Guard (Sea of Okhotsk sea ice bulletins), etc.

JICA, UNESCO, World Bank, ADB, etc.

Disaster prevention cooperation, illegal waste monitoring, etc.

Remote Pathological Diagnosis Demonstration

Space and Marine Cooperation To utilize marine resources effectively and protect the ocean environment, an observation system is being built by combining site-based observations from oceanographic research vessels and buoys—including sea temperature and ocean current—with precise location information and remote sensing data provided by satellites.

Update of Marine Register

Domestic Data Center

Marine Debris

Red Tide

OceanEnvironment

Earth Observing Satellite Positioning

Satellite

Communications Satellite

Vessel

Ocean Current

Marine Resources

Space significantly contributes to solutions to diverse marine-related issues as well as

development of marine industries

Promotion of ExclusiveEconomic Zone (EEZ)

development Protection of oceanenvironment

Protection ofremote islands

Ensuring marinesafety

Securing seatransportation

Promotion ofoceanographicresearch / R&D

Development and promotion of marine

resources

Overall management ofcoastal areas

11 12

Technology Development to Support Satellite Missions

A deployment test of the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) carried by “SHIZUKU”

Satellite DevelopmentSatellite development involves many stages, including design, manufacture and testing. A development model is produced for the purpose of design verification, and a large number of tests are carried out. These include tests to verify that the satellite performs in accordance with its design specifications as well as tests to verify its endurance in the harsh space environment. After this performance verification stage, the actual launch model, or satellite flight model, is manufactured.

JAXA develops not only satellites but also ground-based systems, including tracking and control systems used in satellite operation.

“SHIZUKU” flight model (photographed at the Tsukuba Space Center)

InternationalCooperation

Utilization in thePrivate Sector

Research towardNew Applications

Utilization by Administrative Agencies

and Government Enterprises

Regional andLocal Government

Provided by Hitachi Zosen Corporation

1413

1990s

EarthObservation

Communications

TechnologyDevelopment

Advanced Earth Observing Satellite (ADEOS)Observation of changes in the Earth’s environment

Engineering Test Satellite-VI (ETS- VI)Development of large-scale satellite bus technology

Engineering Test Satellite-VII (ETS-VII)Development of rendezvous docking technology

Communications and Broadcasting Engineering Test Satellite (COMETS)Development of advanced communications and broadcasting technology, and data relay technologies

Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission / Precipitation Radar (TRMM/PR)Three-dimensional observation of tropical region rainfall

Aqua / Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for EOS (AMSR-E)Observation related to water, including rain and sea surface temperature

Advanced Earth Observing Satellite-II ( ADEOS-II)Observation of changes in the Earth’s environment

Data Relay Test Satellite (DRTS)Data relay for Earth observing and other types of satellites

2000s

Jaxa’s Satellite Development Programs (1990s Onward)

2003Establishmentof JAXA

Positioning

Disaster Observation

Land Use

Global WarmingCountermeasures

Climate ChangeObservation

Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS)Detailed land observation

Optical Inter-orbit Communications Engineering Test Satellite (OICETS)Development of optical inter-orbit communications technology

Optical Inter-orbit Communications Engineering Test Satellite (OICETS)Development of optical inter-orbit communications technology

Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT)Observation of concentration distribution of CO2 and other gases

Wideband InterNetworking Engineering Test and Demonstration Satellite (WINDS)Ultra-high-speed, large-capacity data communications

Engineering Test Satellite-VIII (ETS-VIII)Development of large deployable antenna reflectors and mobile communications technology

Global Precipitation Measurement Mission / Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (GPM / DPR)Three-dimensional observation of rainfall

Global Change Observation Mission 1st-Climate (GCOM-C1)Observation related to climate change, including cloud and vegetation

Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 (ALOS-2)Detailed land observation using radar sensors

First Quasi-Zenith Satellite (QZS-1)Satellite positioning system whose orbit that passes almost directly overhead Japan

Earth Clouds, Aerosols and Radiation Explorer / Cloud Profiling Radar (EarthCARE/CPR)Three-dimensional observation of clouds

Advanced Land Observing Satellite-3 (ALOS-3)Detailed land observation using optical sensors

Organization of the Space Applications Mission Directorate (As of February 2012)

Space ApplicationsMission Directorate

Senior Chief Officer of Space Applications

Senior Chief Officer of InternationalCooperation for Space Applications

Senior Chief Officer of SatelliteSystems Development

Program Management and Integration Department

Safety and Mission Assurance Office

Space Cooperation Office for Asia-Pacific Region

Earth Observation Research Center

Satellite Applications and Promotion Center

Mission Operations System Office

Space Applications Program SystemsEngineering Office

GPM / DPR Project Team

GCOM Project Team

EarthCARE / CPR Project Team

ALOS-2 Project Team

Earth Observation Center

Sensor Technology Office

Disaster ManagementSupport System Office

Mission Planning Office

Satellite Systems Engineering Group

Regular staff (as of April 1, 2011)

Space ApplicationsMission Directorate

155 1,547

Whole of JAXA

Principal Schedule (As of February 2012)

Project

TRMM

KODAMA (DRTS)

AMSR-E

DAICHI (ALOS)

KIKU-8 (ETS-VIII)

KIZUNA (WINDS)

IBUKI (GOSAT)

MICHIBIKI (QZS-1)

SHIZUKU (GCOM-W1)

GCOM-C1

GPM/DPR

EarthCARE/CPR

ALOS-2

ALOS-3

Second Mid-Term Plan PeriodFiscal Year

FY 2007 FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012FY 2013Onward

November 1997

September 2002

May 2002

January 2006

December 2006

February 2008

January 2009

September 2010

Launch Period

(Scheduled for FY 2012)(Scheduled for FY 2015)(Scheduled for FY 2013)(Scheduled for FY 2015)(Scheduled for FY 2013)(Scheduled for FY 2015 or later)

Operation May 2011

Operation

Operation

Operation

Operation

Operation

Operation

Operation

Operation

Operation

Developmentresearch

Developmentresearch

Developmentresearch

Developmentresearch

Developmentresearch

Developmentresearch

Development

Development

Development

Development

Development

Development

Development

Development

Development

Research

Research

Research

Research

Expanding the Frontiers of Our Future with Space Applications


Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

Protecting the Earth and supporting our daily lives

from space

Space Applications Mission Directoratehttp://www.satnavi.jaxa.jp/index_e.html

Published March 2012

Pub

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Printed in Japan


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