Completion of Critical Operations Phase, Advanced Land Observing Satellite-4 "DAICHI-4" (ALOS-4)
July 3, 2024 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully completed the critical operations phase*1 of the Advanced Land Observing Satellite-4 "DAICHI-4" (ALOS-4).
JAXA received telemetry data confirming that a series of planned operations, including the deployments of the
solar array paddles and the antennas of mission payloads (the Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar-3
(PALSAR-3) *2 and the SPAISE3*3), has been
completed, and that the satellite is in a stable condition to remain in orbit. With this confirmation, the critical
operations phase of "DAICHI-4" was completed.
"DAICHI-4" will move on to the initial functional verification operations phase*4, to verify the functions of the onboard instruments over a period of approximately
three months.
JAXA conveys a deep appreciation for the cooperation and support of everyone involved in the launch and
tracking and control of "DAICHI-4" , including the government agencies, the prime contractor, Mitsubishi Electric
Corporation, and all the companies and organizations involved in the development, manufacture and operation of the
satellite.
*1:
Critical operations phase
The period after the satellite separation from the launch vehicle, to deploy the solar array paddles and the
antennas of mission payloads (the Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar-3 (PALSAR-3) and the SPAISE3),
and to transfer the satellite to an operational state.
*2:
PALSAR-3
PALSAR-3: Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar-3 is a sensor that obtains information by transmitting
radio waves to the earth's surface and receiving the radio waves reflected from the surface.
*3:
SPAISE3
SPAISE3: SPace based AIS Experiment 3 is a sensor that receives signals from the Automatic Identification System (AIS) installed on ships.
*4:
Initial functional verification operations phase
The period to verify the functions of the satellite system and its onboard instruments, such as mission payloads.
For details on the operational status of "DAICHI-4", please refer to the following:
Space Technology Directorate I Website (Satellite Navigator)