ADEOS Project Overview



Objectives

The main objectives of MIDORI is to contribute to elucidation of phenomena of the earth system through integrated observation of geophysical parameters using a number of sensors. The main parameters observed by MIDORI are 1) energy flux between atmosphere and ocean, 2) three-dimensional distribution of atmospheric temperature and water vapor, 3) aerosol distribution over ocean, 4) three-dimensional distribution of atmospheric ozone, 5) chlorophyll distribution in ocean, 6) sea surface temperature, 7) ocean wind vector and 8) vegetation distribution.

In addition to the scientific purpose, the data acquired by MIDORI can be used for practical applications such as weather forecasting, probing of fishing grounds, land cover surveying and elevation measurement.

While MIDORI is the first satellite to observe the earth system in an integrated manner, long-term observation is required in order to fully understand changes of global environmental phenomena. It is hoped that a sufficient level of understanding will eventually be achieved through observation made by the ADEOS-II and other satellites which will succeed the MIDORI's mission in the future.


Space Craft and Orbit

Shape: Module type with deployable solar paddle (one wing)
Body Size: 4 x 4 x 5(m) (mission, bus module), 3 x 26(m) (solar paddle)
Weight: Approx. 3.5 ton (at lift-off)
Attitude Control: Three-axis stabilized (zero-momentum)
Design Life: 3 years
Launch Vehicle: H-II(5m in diameter fairing)
Launch Site: Tanegashima Space Center, Kagoshima
Launch Date: 17 August 1996
Orbit Type: Sun Synchronous Subrecurrent
Altitude: 800 km
Inclination: 98.6 deg
Period: 101 min.
Recurrent Period: 41 days
Local time at descending node: 10:15 - 10:45 AM
Data Transmission: Direct Transmission and Inter-orbit Communication (Equipped with Mission Data Recorder)


Mission Instruments

Earth Observation Research Center Earth Observation Research Center
Last Update: 6 Febrary 1998
Comments to: