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ALOS-4 (DAICHI-4) (60182)
COSPAR: 2024-123A | Alt Name: Daichi-4
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 1, 2024
Launch Site
Tanegashima Space Center, Japan
Launch Pad
Yoshinobu Launch Complex
Launch Vehicle
H3-22S
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60182
International Designator
2024-123A
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:48:16 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
97.92°
Right Ascension
297.53°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
98.16°
Period
97.33 min
Mean Motion
14.79 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ALOS-4 (DAICHI-4)
Alternative Name
Daichi-4
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Country
Japan
Constellation
ALOS Series
Related Satellites
Major Events
Launch on July 1, 2024; successful deployment of solar arrays and antennas; initiation of Earth observation operations.
Latest TLEs
1 60182U 24123A 26200.82518829 .00000618 00000+0 89649-4 0 9996
2 60182 97.9221 297.5326 0001542 98.1551 261.9835 14.79476713110706
Source: Celestrak
Summary
ALOS-4 (Daichi-4) is an Earth Observation Satellite launched on July 1, 2024, from Tanegashima Space Center using the H3-22S launch vehicle. It was designed and manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The satellite has a box-shaped bus with two solar array paddles, measuring 10 meters in length and 6.4 meters in diameter, with a span of 20 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. It weighs 3000 kg at launch and is powered by gallium arsenide solar cells and batteries.
The primary payload includes the PALSAR-3 L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar for high-resolution Earth observation and the SPAISE3 AIS receiver for maritime monitoring. ALOS-4 aims to monitor disasters, forests, sea ice, and infrastructure, providing high-resolution images with a wide observation swath. The satellite is equipped with an Attitude and Orbit Control System (AOCS) for three-axis stabilization using reaction wheels and gyroscopes. It operates on the Ka-band at 1.8/3.6 Gbps for direct transmission and optical inter-orbit communications at 1.8 Gbps.
The ALOS-4 satellite is part of the ALOS Series, with a planned operational lifetime of seven years. Its main mission includes enhancing Earth observation capabilities over its predecessors like ALOS, ALOS-2, and ALOS-3. The spacecraft's design features white with black and blue accents for visibility and thermal management purposes.
Physical Characteristics
Length
10
Diameter
6.4
Span
20
Dry Mass
3000
Launch Mass
3000
Shape
Box-shaped bus with two solar array paddles
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
White with black and blue accents
Material Composition
Aluminum and composite materials for the bus structure; gallium arsenide solar cells.
Technical Details
Payload
The primary payload is the PALSAR-3 radar system, complemented by the SPAISE3 AIS receiver for maritime monitoring.
Purpose
Earth Observation, Radar
Mission
ALOS-4 is designed for Earth observation using advanced radar technology to monitor disasters, forests, sea ice, and infrastructure. It aims to provide high-resolution images with a wide observation swath, enhancing capabilities over its predecessors.
Manufacturer
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO)
Life Expectancy
7 years
Bus
ALOS
Configuration
Earth Observation Satellite
Motor
Attitude and Orbit Control System (AOCS)
Equipment
PALSAR-3 L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar, SPace based AIS Experiment 3 (SPAISE3)
Power System
Two deployable solar array paddles and batteries
ADCS
Three-axis stabilized with reaction wheels and gyroscopes
Transmitter Frequency
1.8/3.6 Gbps (Ka-band) for direct transmission; 1.8 Gbps for optical inter-orbit communications
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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