9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
[MSD35-P07] Technology Demonstration of Next-generation Precipitation Observation Radar
Keywords:Precipitation observation, Geostationary satellite, Doppler radar
This mission proposal aims to develop and demonstrate the basic technology for future Doppler radar observations of precipitation from geostationary orbit. The deployment antenna technology has been studied, and a prototype of the antenna deployment mechanism has been fabricated and its performance has been confirmed in ground tests. As a technology demonstration of the antenna deployment technology, the Deployable Lightweight Planar Antenna Technology Demonstration (DELIGHT) onboard HTV-X1 is planned for launch in 2022.
Technology Overview
The technology to be demonstrated is the construction technology of a large planar antenna, which enables the enlargement of the planar antenna to realize a large planar antenna of 30m x 30m or more, which is necessary for precipitation observation by radar from a geostationary orbit.
Technical novelty/advantages
(1) Precipitation Doppler velocity measurement technology
The Doppler velocity measurement technology for cloud is established by the Cloud Profiling Radar onboard the EarthCARE satellite, and the Doppler velocity measurement technology for precipitation is being developed for the Ku-band Doppler precipitation radar to be launched in 2027. These technologies will have an advantage in the Doppler velocity measurement from geostationary orbit using a large aperture antenna.
(2) Technology for constructing a large planar antenna
The technology to construct a synthetic aperture radar for satellite installation by one-dimensional deployment has been established, but the technology to construct a 30-meter class large planar antenna by two-dimensional deployment has not yet been established. In addition, although the technology for constructing solar cell paddles by two-dimensional deployment has been established, this technology cannot handle the construction of 30-meter class large planar antennas because planar antennas require more surface accuracy and rigidity than solar cell paddles. Therefore, it is important to demonstrate the technology in DELIGHT.
Development Progresses:
In the initial plan, we have been studying the feasibility of the deployment mechanism, especially for the deployment type antenna with Doppler radar to be mounted on the HTV-X (-FY2018).
Preliminary design of the deployable planar antenna for installation on the HTV-X was carried out since FY 2019, and exchanged the interface information (panel deployment behavior analysis, partial prototyping and testing, etc.) with the HTV-X side. DELIGHT will be installed on the HTV-X1 that will be launched by H3 (#3) in FY2023 or FY2024 according to the Space Program Schedule of National Space Policy.
Technology Overview
The technology to be demonstrated is the construction technology of a large planar antenna, which enables the enlargement of the planar antenna to realize a large planar antenna of 30m x 30m or more, which is necessary for precipitation observation by radar from a geostationary orbit.
Technical novelty/advantages
(1) Precipitation Doppler velocity measurement technology
The Doppler velocity measurement technology for cloud is established by the Cloud Profiling Radar onboard the EarthCARE satellite, and the Doppler velocity measurement technology for precipitation is being developed for the Ku-band Doppler precipitation radar to be launched in 2027. These technologies will have an advantage in the Doppler velocity measurement from geostationary orbit using a large aperture antenna.
(2) Technology for constructing a large planar antenna
The technology to construct a synthetic aperture radar for satellite installation by one-dimensional deployment has been established, but the technology to construct a 30-meter class large planar antenna by two-dimensional deployment has not yet been established. In addition, although the technology for constructing solar cell paddles by two-dimensional deployment has been established, this technology cannot handle the construction of 30-meter class large planar antennas because planar antennas require more surface accuracy and rigidity than solar cell paddles. Therefore, it is important to demonstrate the technology in DELIGHT.
Development Progresses:
In the initial plan, we have been studying the feasibility of the deployment mechanism, especially for the deployment type antenna with Doppler radar to be mounted on the HTV-X (-FY2018).
Preliminary design of the deployable planar antenna for installation on the HTV-X was carried out since FY 2019, and exchanged the interface information (panel deployment behavior analysis, partial prototyping and testing, etc.) with the HTV-X side. DELIGHT will be installed on the HTV-X1 that will be launched by H3 (#3) in FY2023 or FY2024 according to the Space Program Schedule of National Space Policy.