The National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) conducted for the first time the inter-satellite communications experiment between the Data Relay Test Satellite (DRTS), Kodama*1, and the Advanced Earth Observing Satellite II (ADEOS-II), Midori-II*2, and successfully transmitted the real-time imagery of earth surface taken by Midori-II in the sky where Japan cannot make a direct communication via Kodama in the geostationary orbit to the Earth Observation Center.
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\nThis successful inter-satellite communications verify the data relay function for the first time using the world’s most advanced inter-satellite communications technology with Ka-band frequency*3. We get into a full-fledged space network era using inter-satellite technology, following U.S. and Russia.<\/p>\n
In addition to Midori-II, NASDA will conduct similar experiments via Kodama of transmitting*4 data from spacecraft circulating around mid-low altitude orbit (300km to 1,000km) such as the planned Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) and KIBO*5 to the ground station, and try to accumulate more sophisiticated inter-satellite communications technology.<\/p>\n
*1. Kodama was launched on September 10, 2002
\n*2. Midori-II was launched on December 14, 2002
\n*3. 20-30 GHz band (to use 26 GHz band in communicating with Kodama and Midori II)
\n*4. Real-time communications are feasible in about 60% of all skies over the Earth.
\n*5. Japanese Experiment Module to be attached to the International Space Station <\/p>\n
This information is also available in the following Internet address:
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\nhttp:\/\/www.nasda.go.jp\/press\/2003\/02\/kodama-midori2_20030221_e.html <\/a><\/p>\n