ALOS (DAICHI) (28931)

COSPAR: 2006-002A | Alt Name: Daichi

Image
ALOS (DAICHI) Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

January 24, 2006

Launch Site

TANSC

Launch Pad

Y

Launch Vehicle

H-IIA 2022

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

28931

International Designator

2006-002A

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 07:27:46 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

98.13°

Right Ascension

140.83°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

69.68°

Period

97.95 min

Mean Motion

14.70 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

ALOS (DAICHI)

Alternative Name

Daichi

Type

Payload

Status

Non-operational

Owner

JAXA

Country

Japan

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 28931U 06002A   26185.31095631  .00001251  00000-0  21651-3 0  9998
2 28931  98.1330 140.8257 0000862  69.6809 290.4489 14.70085949 90619

Source: Celestrak

Summary
ALOS (DAICHI) is an Earth Observation and Radar satellite launched by JAXA on January 24, 2006, from Tanegashima Space Center using the H-IIA 2022 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 6.5 meters in length with a diameter of 4.5 meters and a span of 28 meters. It has a dry mass of 3800 kg and was designed to operate for 3 years, with plans for up to 5 years. ALOS is equipped with PALSAR (Phased Array-type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar), PRISM (Panchromatic Remote-sensing Instrument for Stereo Mapping), and AVNIR-2 (Advanced Visible and Near-Infrared Radiometer type 2). It uses a deployable solar array generating approximately 4 kW at the end of life, along with batteries. The satellite's shape is described as a box with two panels and has an RCS value of 13.593. ALOS was manufactured by TSUK/NECTF for JAXA to conduct Earth Observation missions.
Physical Characteristics

Length

6.5

Diameter

4.5

Span

28

Dry Mass

3800

Launch Mass

4000

Shape

Box + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

13.593

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

ALOS

Purpose

Earth Observation, Radar

Mission

Earth Observation, Radar

Manufacturer

TSUK/NECTF

Life Expectancy

3 years (design); 5 years (planned)

Bus

ALOS

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

AOCS

Equipment

PALSAR, PRISM, AVNIR-2

Power System

Deployable solar array (4 kW EoL), batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Blue Origin's New Glenn Destroyed in Hotfire Anomaly | KeepTrack Space Brief

Blue Origin's New Glenn Destroyed in Hotfire Anomaly | KeepTrack Space Brief

Blue Origin lost New Glenn during static fire testing at Launch Complex 36. Vehicle sustained serious damage in anomaly. NASA Artemis timeline impacts possible.

Space Brief 8 Dec 2025

Space Brief 8 Dec 2025

Today's edition covers SpaceX scrubbing and successfully launching Starlink satellites, AI innovations in spacecraft propulsion, and the impact of SPHERE's debris disk survey in discovering hidden asteroid belts.

The Day Soviet Women Reached for the Stars

The Day Soviet Women Reached for the Stars

Sixty-three years ago, the Soviet Union selected the world's first female cosmonaut training group, launching a new era in human spaceflight that would transform our understanding of gender equality in space exploration

Van Allen Probe A Reenters March 10 After 14 Years | KeepTrack Space Brief

Van Allen Probe A Reenters March 10 After 14 Years | KeepTrack Space Brief

NASA's Van Allen Probe A (1,300 lbs) reenters today after 14 years studying Earth's radiation belts. Most debris will burn up; ocean impact statistically likely.

Shimizu's Luna Ring - The Plan to Wrap the Moon in Solar Panels

Shimizu's Luna Ring - The Plan to Wrap the Moon in Solar Panels

A 220-year-old Japanese construction company wants to build an 11,000-kilometer belt of solar cells around the lunar equator and beam the power back to Earth. The physics checks out. Everything else is another story.

Space Brief 28 Apr 2025

Space Brief 28 Apr 2025

Today's highlights include SpaceX's 250th Starlink mission, a key Senate vote for NASA's next administrator, and insights into satellite missions and movements.

X Report 7 Jun 2025

X Report 7 Jun 2025

SpaceX successfully launched the SXM-10 satellite for SiriusXM and prepares for the Ax-4 mission to the ISS amid political tensions involving Elon Musk and President Trump.

Space Brief 13 Aug 2025

Space Brief 13 Aug 2025

Today's Space Brief covers the inaugural national security mission of ULA's Vulcan Centaur, the Space Force's 2026 budget insights, and shifts in military drone technology.