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
(Hatoyama-cho, Saitama Pref.).

This 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.

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.

  • 1. Kodama was launched on September 10, 2002
  • 2. Midori-II was launched on December 14, 2002
  • 3. 20-30 GHz band (to use 26 GHz band in communicating with Kodama and Midori II)
  • 4. Real-time communications are feasible in about 60% of all skies over the Earth.
  • 5. Japanese Experiment Module to be attached to the International Space Station

This information is also available in the following Internet address:
http://www.nasda.go.jp/press/2003/02/kodama-midori2_20030221_e.html

Related links:

ADEOS-II Science Project
http://sharaku.eorc.nasda.go.jp/ADEOS2/index.html