Step Forward to the Next Earth Observation Satellite Systems in JAXA

Abstract

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is making final preparation for the launch of GCOM-W1 “Shizuku” in JFY2012, which is the first satellite for the Global Change Observation Mission (GCOM). In this paper, the next earth observation satellite systems which will be launched in coming 5 years; 2012-2016, GCOM-W1, ALOS-2, GPM, GCOM-C1, EarthCARE in phase C and D for the system development and manufacturing, and ALOS-3 and GOSAT-2 in phase A for the mission definition study and system concept design are reviewed from the view point of their mission, sensor, data and potential applications.