i-Space Application Experiments

Experiment conducted for “disaster information network using a satellite (real-time data transmission by satellite aviation communications)”

NASDA conducted a disaster pilot experiment from January 14 to 16, 2003, with the aim of constructing a “space infrastructure for disaster countermeasures.” This was held in cooperation with Communications Research Laboratory (CRL,) Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) and Diamond Air Service Inc. (DAS), using the “Disaster Information Collection and Delivery Application System” developed as a model for the next generation of disaster prevention network systems. (An open experiment for the media was also conducted on January 16.)

This experiment was conducted under the assumption of a wide area earthquake that struck the Tokai, Tounankai and Nankai districts, and the damage was filmed by an on-board camera attached to a small jet aircraft. The filmed images, with geographical information (including location of aircraft and filmed objects) and sound, were transmitted simultaneously to a virtual disaster information center (CRL?fs Kashima Space Research Center) on a real time basis.

The moving and static images received at the virtual disaster information center were also provided to the usual ground-based Internet via a server (VENTEN) located at the virtual disaster prevention organization (ADRC, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture.) All of the information was confirmed available on the web.

In the future, this system is expected to be utilized in identifying or analyzing damaged areas by disaster prevention organizations or experts in remote areas far from the damaged spot, and in areas where the ground base infrastructure is behind like in other areas of Asia.

NASDA has started the i-Space satellite application experiments as part of its research and development into the space infrastructure needed to deal with the materialization of a society with broadband Internet access.

This project is to develop technologies and conduct experiments for satellite missions in various fields such as the Internet, education, health, disaster control and the Intelligent Transport System (ITS), using the Engineering Test Satellite (ETS-VIII) and the Wideband InterNetworking engineering test and Demonstration Satellite (WINDS) being developed, and the Quasi-Zenith Satellite, which is still being studied.

The Engineering Test Satellite (ETS-VIII) is a satellite that carries out technical tests on mobile communications satellites that use geostationary satellites capable of receiving sounds or data transmitted portably. It will be used for tests and providing evidence for the technical developments needed for communications, broadcasts and measurements in the early 21st century.

Wideband InterNetworking engineering test and Demonstration Satellite (WINDS) is a geostationary satellite that aims to provide at faster speeds the enormous amounts of information needed in an information technology-based society. It will be used not only in Japan, but in broad areas throughout the Asia-Pacific region. NASDA is now working together with the Communications Research Laboratory (CRL) on the research and development of the satellite, with a launch planned for 2005 FY.

The Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, a system that aims to clear obstacles for transmitting satellite communications in cities, is also now being studied in preparation for more specific research and development.