Advanced Land Observing Satellite-4 “DAICHI-4” (ALOS-4) Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar-3 (PALSAR-3) Antenna Package Deployment Results

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) confirmed that the package deployment^*1 of the Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar-3 (PALSAR-3)^*2 antenna was successfully performed by receiving telemetry from the Advanced Land Observing Satellite-4 “DAICHI-4” (ALOS-4).
The following is an image of DAICHI-4 after deployment of the PALSAR-3 antenna package received at the JAXA Mingenew station in Australia at 2:04 on July 2, 2024 (JST). Antenna deployment of PALSAR-3 is being conducted in three stages: 1) Package deployment (this announcement), followed by 2) First wing deployment and 3) Second wing deployment.>

Image of PALSAR-3 after antenna package deployment captured by the monitor camera onboard DAICHI-4
(This image data was acquired using the test signals for communication link verification between DAICHI-4 and the ground station.)

*1: Package deployment
Deployment of the PALSAR-3 antenna stowed in the satellite main body to release it from the satellite main body.

*2: L-band synthetic aperture radar (PALSAR-3)
The L-band synthetic aperture radar (PALSAR-3: Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar-3) is a sensor that obtains information by irradiating the earth’s surface with radio waves and receiving the radio waves reflected from the surface.

<Movie of DAICHI-4 PALSAR-3 Antenna Package Deployment>
▶ DAICHI-4 (ALOS-4) CG movie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzMONfjs-Ew

Upcoming web post (Satellite Navigator) schedule (JST)
*Please note that posting times are subject to change depending on operational conditions.
15:30 July 2, 2024 – Image of Advanced Land Observing Satellite-4 “DAICHI-4” (ALOS-4) Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar-3 (PALSAR-3) First Wing Deployment

< Conceptual Diagram of Antenna Deployment sequence for PALSAR-3>

*Above conceptual diagram indicates the PALSAR-3 antenna completed all processes:
(1) Package deployment, (2) First wing deployment, and (3) Second wing deployment.

★ Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is in charge of design and manufacturing as the prime contractor and is supporting the initial operations conducted by JAXA.

【Related Site】
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation – Space Systems
https://www.mitsubishielectric.com/bu/space/index.html