OUR PROJECT
EarthCARECloud Radar
EarthCARE (Earth Clouds, Aerosols, and Radiation Explorer) is an Earth observation satellite mission being developed in cooperation between Japan and Europe.
JAXA has been developing and manufacturing the Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR), the world's first satellite-borne Doppler radar in the W-band (94 GHz).
CPR enables us to observe the vertical structure of clouds and to measure the ascent and decent velocities of cloud particles, behaviours which have not been adequately observed thus far.
In conjunction with the other scientific payloads, EarthCARE is expected to improve the accuracy of climate change prediction by clarifying the radiation budget mechanism of clouds, aerosols, and their interactions.
(Source: What is the Cloud Aerosol Emission and Reflection Mission (EarthCARE)? (From Earth Observation Research Center, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)
AstroTerrace Inc. is responsible for the development of a primary subsystem to be used in the CPR and is participating in the EarthCARE mission in cooperation with Italian and Canadian manufacturers.
ETS-9※Satellite Communications Project
Demonstrate optical satellite communications between Geostationary Orbit and Ground at 10 Gbps uplink and downlink.
Our goal is to establish a screening process for devices utilized in terrestrial optical networks for use in space. The wavelength of the laser to be used and the method of utilizing meteorological observation data for site diversity are planned to proceed in accordance with the international standards under discussion at CCSDS.
AstroTerrace Inc. is responsible for the development of optical and RF equipment to be installed on the ETS-9* and is participating in the ETS-9* satellite communications project in cooperation with manufacturers in Japan, the United States, and Canada.
*Note: "ETS-9" is the original project name used by the NICT Space Communications Systems Laboratory.
Engineering Test Satellite-9 (ETS-9)
In recent years, competition in the commercial communications satellite market has intensified against the backdrop of the global expansion of broadband environments, particularly for aircraft and ship services and regional services, and the need to reduce communication costs. From the viewpoint of strengthening industrial competitiveness, the "Engineering Test Satellite No. 9" aims to realize an internationally competitive satellite system in the 2020s by demonstrating communication technologies that realize market needs and satellite bus technologies that can carry and operate such communication devices.
The satellite bus technology to be demonstrated on the Engineering Test Satellite No. 9 will increase the power supply to the onboard communications equipment, and at the same time, it will enable the equipment to discharge a large amount of heat generated by the bus. Furthermore, in order to reduce the cost of the entire life cycle from launch to the end of operations, the proportion of propellant in the satellite launch mass is reduced through all-electric satellite technology and other means, enabling launches with reasonably priced rockets. In addition, autonomous orbit control will be performed using a geostationary GPS receiver to reduce the cost of satellite operations.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) and NICT will be in charge of the flexible and high-capacity technologies (optical communication technology demonstration and Ka-band multi-beam power feed), while MEXT and JAXA will be in charge of the full digital technology.
<Quotes> Engineering Test Satellite No. 9 - Satellite Navigator, JAXA's First Space Technology DirectoratePLATFORMSatellite Demonstration Platform
As part of a study into the commercialization space solutions, we aim to build a service platform using a demonstration satellite platform. Currently, we are examining an initial portfolio by utilizing technology we have cultivated through past development of satellite equipment and systems.
The project goals are as follows
To build a demonstration service platform that enables demonstrations with a short development period.
To build a platform that enables continuous development feedback from satellite demonstrations.
Build a space-oriented portfolio that applies advanced technologies.
Establish a platform that enables continuous development feedback from satellite demonstrations.