[M-SD40] Future Missions of Satellite Earth Observation

[MSD40-05] Geostationary Optical Earth Observation Satellite (3)

*Kazuo Oki^1,2, Toshiyoshi Kimura³, Tadahito Mizutani³, Masuo Takahashi³, Takeo Tadono³ (1.The Univ. of Tokyo, 2.KUAS, 3.JAXA)

Keywords:Geostationary Optical Earth Observation Satellite , Disasters observation, Normal observation

Geostationary satellite is the most practical Earth Observation for its instantaneous observation and ability to choose target area on demand. However, the observation requirements have not been satisfied, especially in fields such as disaster observation that requires immediate observation and agriculture that required daily observation, from the viewpoint of spatial or temporal resolution or immediate observations even existing observation satellite systems including meteorological satellites require observation. Here, we present on the research on new observation results that can be expected for on-demand constant observation on a ground surface resolution scale of about 10m, which has never been observed before, and the status of key technical research to realize this system. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency's report on the Great East Japan Earthquake, it is necessary to complete the process from the observation request to the distribution of the observation data within 30 minutes. Although the acquired observation data is not of high resolution, it is sufficiently suitable for the purpose of identifying the scale and extent of damage, and is indispensable information for determining more detailed investigation /observation plans and emergency evacuation orders. Regarding normal operation other than disasters, some products are currently under consideration with researchers in the fields of disaster prevention, forestry, agriculture, and oceans, considering the characteristics of geostationary optical observation satellites. For example, in agriculture, where it is important to determine the harvest time, the unobservable situation due to clouds, which is a problem with conventional satellites, is greatly improved to the situation where images with few clouds can be obtained by geostationary satellite observation. From this, it is expected that unprecedented results will be obtained even in normal times, especially for events that change rapidly over time. Regarding the technical research status, regarding the large telescope, which is the key technology in this system, the satellite manufacturer and JAXA are working on confirming the basic principle of the light wave synthesis aperture by the divided lightweight ceramic mirror and prototyping a movable mirror related to Active / Adaptive Optics. By the end of 2020, we plan to make a development outlook for these key technologies and summarize observation plans during disasters and normal times.