Remote Sensing Capabilities

Remote Sensing Capabilities

Question # 1: Remote Sensing Capabilities of Japan

Remote Sensing Technology refers to collect visual information or related data regarding a site from the space of air. Remote sensing includes recognizable techniques such as aerial photo analysis, and novel technologies as (InSAR) synthetic aperture radar interferometery. It has been observed that Japan has also made a number of important developments with regards to the remote sensing capabilities. The most significant organization that is responsible for the aerospace and science developments in Japan is the Institute of Space and Aeronautical Science (ISAS) that was founded in the year 1964 (Benoit, 2012). A number of important developments have been presented by the ISAS in Japan since the establishment of this organization. These developments have been carried on even in the twenty first century.

The most significant remote sensing capabilities presented by the scientists of Japan in the current century are presented as follows.

An ultra thin film high altitude balloon was launched in May, 2002 which marked the highest record in the world with an altitude of 53 km.

X-ray astronomy satellite SUZAKU (ASTRO-EII) was launched by M-V-6 in July, 2005.

An observation was made on the asteroid Itokawa by Hayabusa who is an asteroid explorer in September, 2005.

M-V-7 launched HINODE (SOLAR-B), which is a solar physics satellite in September, 2006.

H-IIA-13 launched KAGUYU (SELENE), which is a lunar explorer in September, 2007.

H-IIA-17 launched Venus Climate Orbiter AKATSUKI (PLANET-C) in May, 2010 (Frelinger, 1999).

In addition to the presentation of the above mentioned developments by ISAS, the Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan was established in August, 1975. The main purpose of this organization is to implement comprehensive research for the development of remote sensing technology. The knowledge of the scientists and the research has played a vital role in ...