Chiba University has been developing its own L-band (frequency 1.275GHz band) space radar for global environment and crustal movement observation, but this time, it is the world's smallest and lightest 100kg class small SAR satellite.・ Completed a radar research model. SAR is a radar that obtains images of the surface of the earth using radio waves, and can be observed regardless of the weather and day and night.
One of the results of this research is the realization of miniaturization and weight reduction by using threads and lightweight spring materials.The mass of the existing satellite is several hundred kg to several tons, but the small SAR satellite developed this time is 150 kg or less, the antenna is 2 to 3.6 m in diameter, and the mass is 1 kg or less from the conventional several kg to 1 kg, both satellite and antenna. Weight saving.Previously, aluminum and reinforced plastic were used for the antenna part, but this was changed to a mesh made of fine metal thread plated with gold.The mesh weighs only 50g per square meter.Furthermore, changing the skeleton to a lightweight spring material also contributed to the realization of weight reduction.
In addition, the production cost of the satellite is said to be about 1 million yen per kg, and if the research model is successfully put into practical use, a significant cost reduction of 1000 billion yen or more can be realized.The conventional small SAR satellite cost 100 to 100 billion yen, but it is said that it is proceeding with research and development with the goal of 200 billion yen or less including development costs.
Another major achievement is the dramatic improvement in surface observation accuracy with our proprietary radar.Chiba University's proprietary circularly polarized wave synthetic aperture radar (CP-SAR, which emits electromagnetic waves that draw a circular orbit) enables observation of circularly polarized waves on the surface of the earth, and is expected to become a new generation of earth observation means.This sensor is an all-weather type that can clearly monitor the earth's surface without being affected by clouds, fog, smoke, etc., and is excellent for disaster monitoring because it can be observed even at night.
