Earth observation program in Japan and its international cooperative activities

Abstract

Abstract In Japan, the first experimental earth observation satellite, Marine Observation Satellite‐1 (MOS‐1) was launched on February 19, 1987 successfully by National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA). NASDA is now performing MOS‐1 Verification Program (MVP) in order to verify the usefulness of MOS‐1 sensor data. Japanese Earth Resources Satellite‐1 (ERS‐1), with its launching scheduled in early 1992, is under development as a joint program of Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and NASDA. Following the fulfillment of these programs, Japan is to pursue its next step earth observation programs. As a next generation earth observation satellite, NASDA plans to launch Advanced Earth Observing Satellite (ADEOS) in 1993. Moreover, a new earth observation program with Polar Orbiting Platform (POP) is now planned and coordinated among the Space Station Partners, namely, NASA, NOAA, ESA, Canada and Japan. Currently, NASA, ESA and Japan have their own platform launch plans in late 1990's. ...