GO! EarthCARE!

Job description

Development of the high-power transmitter, one of the devices in the Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR) (mainly repair of the high-voltage grid module and procurement of spare parts for the high-power transmitter), satellite system testing, launch support, and operation preparation. Some of the work was unique to the COVID-19 pandemic (the European work plan and measures in response to the spread of the infection). Recently, I have been focusing on public relations activities so that more people can learn about EarthCARE.

Thoughts on EarthCARE/CPR

EarthCARE was developed to derive answers from observational data as to how the global environment will change in the future. Among the features of EarthCARE, the things I like best are that it was jointly developed by Europe and Japan, and that despite the long development period, it is a tough satellite whose original purpose has not faded, and in fact has only become more important.

One of these sensors, CPR, developed by Japan, is a cloud radar that uncovers the true nature of mysterious clouds. I started participating in the EarthCARE/CPR project in August 2020. Although it was nearing the end of development, I was fortunate to be able to be heavily involved in everything from manufacturing to testing, including being on-site to witness the project that would actually be sent into space.

The launch is finally here! First of all, I sincerely hope that EarthCARE will be launched safely and that it will have great success in space.