Satellite characteristics

Launch Date - End 697676400 - 907970400

Status Decommissioned

Orbit type Sun-synchronous subrecurrent polar orbit

Altitude 568

Orbit inclination 97.7

Equatorial crossing time 10:30:00

Orbit period 96

Satellite family: JERS (Japan Earth Resources Satellite)

The overall objectives call for:

  • Generation of global data sets with SAR and OPS sensors in order to survey resources;
  • establishing an integrated Earth observation system, verifying instrument/system performances.

The mission applications focus on: survey of geological phenomena, land usage (agriculture, forestry), observation of coastal regions, geologic maps, environment, disaster monitoring, etc.

The spacecraft carries two closely matched Earth observation sensors: the active SAR instrument and the passive OPS multispectral imager.

Sensor characteristics

Sensor name OPS (Optical Sensor)
Sensor short description
Sensor type Imaging radiometer (Vis/IR)
Resolution class High (5 - 30 m)
Swath width (at nadir) 75 km
Max look angle 15 °
Sensor name SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) JERS
Sensor short description
Sensor type Imaging microwave radar
Resolution class High (5 - 30 m)
Swath width (at nadir) 75 km
Max look angle 35 °