JAXA: Advanced Land Observing Satellite ‘DAICHI’ (ALOS) Power Generation Anomaly

April 22, 2011 (JST) Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has been operating the Advanced Land Observing Satellite “DAICHI” (ALOS) exceeding its design life of three years, and even after its target life of five years. However, at around 7:30 a.m. on April 22 (JST), we found that the satellite shifted its operation mode to the low load mode (*1), and all the onboard observation devices were turned off due to power generation precipitation. The anomaly was detected through relayed data via the Data Relay Test Satellite “KODAMA.”

Since then, the power generation has been rapidly deteriorating, and we currently cannot confirm power generation.

The DAICHI was launched on January 24, 2006.

JAXA is investigating the cause of this phenomenon while taking necessary measures.

*1: Low generation mode: the mode to save power consumption to maintain the minimum function of the satellite.