Overview of NASDA's earth observation remote sensing

NASDA has three strategic goals for the earth observation systems: contribution to the earth science, promotion of practical use of the earth observation data and advanced technology development of satellites, sensors and ground systems. To implement the strategy, a long-term scenario of NASDA's earth observation satellite was proposed. In this scenario two major remote sensing satellite programs, Advanced Earth Observing Satellite-II (ADEOS-II) and Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) were planned and are in phase C/D to be launched in Nov. 2001, and Aug. 2002, respectively. For the long-term global change observation, a new concept "Global Change Observation Mission (GCOM)" of 15-year mission starting from the launch of ADEOS-II is under phase A study. For the high-resolution regional observation, ALOS is in phase C/D. Complementing these satellites, concept study of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) follow-on and earth radiation missions is underway. (C) 2002 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.