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Small Demonstration Satellite-4 (SDS-4) Topics

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Dec. 27, 2012 Updated
"SPAISE" (Space-based AIS Experiment) compleded its normal oprational phase, off to late use phase

On November 16, JAXA completed the normal operational use of the experiments of the AIS (Automatic Identification System) receiver aboard Small Demonstration Satellite-4 (SDS-4).
In its normal phase, the technological experiments of the AIS receiver were carried out and a total of 380,000 signals was acquired under the various conditions, including the variations of satellite parameters, of the number of ships and of climate.
Since November 17, the SDS-4 has entered into its late use phase, where further research and analysis into the signals are expected to be applied in the following areas; ship tracking with a view to grasping the status of the operations of the ships, marine environmental conservation by spotting the intrusion into the sanctuaries, and maritime security using the obtained data for rescue operation.
Image: Captured of the operation of the SDS-4
"SPAISE" (Space-based AIS Experiment) compleded its normal oprational phase, off to late use phase

Jun. 6, 2012 Updated
SDS-4 received Automatic Identification System (AIS) from ships

The AIS receiver aboard the Small Demonstration Satellite-4 (SDS-4) launched by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle on May 18 was confirmed to receive automatic identification system (AIS) from ships cruising around Japan. The SDS-4 was launched as a secondary payload with the main payload, the Global Change Observation Mission 1st- Water “SHIZUKU”.
We will continue our engineering verification of the satellite AIS receiver by receiving AIS not only from Japan’s adjoining seas but also in other waters. In addition, we will cooperate with the Japan Coast Guard, the Kanto Regional Development Bureau, and the National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management to study satellite AIS data applications.
Image: AIS signal acquisition image by Space-based AIS Experiment (SPAISE)
SDS-4 received Automatic Identification System (AIS) from ships

May 20, 2012 Updated
SDS-4 moved into the initial phase

The Small Demonstration Satellite-4 (SDS-4) launched on May 18 as a secondary payload with the Global Change Observation Mission 1st - Water "SHIZUKU" completed its critical phase operations on May 20, and moved to the initial phase. We will take about one month to conduct the initial functional confirmation operations.

May 18, 2012 Updated
Successful launch of H-IIA F 21 with SHIZUKU and SDS-4 aboard!

The launch of the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 21 with The Global Change Observation Satellite 1st - Water "SHIZUKU" and Small Demonstration Satellite-4 (SDS-4) aboard was successfully performed at 1:39 a.m. on May 18 (Fri.) 2012 (Japan Standard Time). The launch vehicle flew normally and separated the SHIZUKU at about 22 minutes and 59 seconds after liftoff. Then, the Small Demonstration Stellite-4 (SDS-4) was also confirmed to be successfully separated as scheduled. The SHIZUKU will conduct critical phase operations including deploying the AMSR2 antenna. We await your support messages!

Mar. 21, 2012 Updated
Launch date set for SHIZUKU & SDS-4 on H-IIA F21! Special site now available!

The launch date and time for the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 21 (H-IIA F21) with the Global Change Observation Mission 1st - Water "SHIZUKU" (GCOM-W1) onboard was decided to be at around 1:39 a.m. on May 18 (Fri.,) 2012. The Small Demonstration Satellite-4 (SDS-4) will also be launched by the H-IIA F21 as a secondary payload.
We opened a special site for the SHIZUKU, which is slated for launch in May. We will publish columns by project team members. Please have a look.

Jan. 12, 2012 Updated
SDS-4 revealed to the media

On Jan. 10, the Small Demonstration Satellite-4 (SDS-4) was shown to the media at the Tsukuba Space Center.
The SDS-4 is a tiny 50-cm cubic satellite, and it will be launched as a piggyback payload with the Global Change Observation Mission 1st- Water "SHIZUKU"in Japan Fiscal Year 2012.

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