2nd Research Announcement on
the Earth Observations
JAXA Satellite Project Research
GCOM-W, GCOM-C,
GPM, ALOS-2, ALOS-3, ALOS-4
MOLI, EarthCARE, AMSR3

Issued: October 17, 2018
Proposal Due: November 30, 2018

Earth Observation Research Center
Space Technology Directorate I
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

Contents
1.

Introduction........................................................................................................................ 1
1.1. About the second Research Announcement on the Earth Observations
1.2. About the second Research Announcement on the Earth Observations
1.3. About the JAXA Satellite Project Research

2.

Technical descriptions ........................................................................................................ 5
2.1. JAXA Satellite Project Research

3.

48
48
48
48
49
49
50
50
50
50
50

Instructions for proposal contents ................................................................................... 52
4.1. General
4.2. Format
4.3. Proposal contents

5.

5Instructions for responding to this EO-RA2 ................................................................... 48
3.1. Qualifications
3.2. Research agreement conclusion
3.3. Research period
3.4. Resources
3.5. Obligations
3.6. Selection
3.7. Late proposals
3.8. Withdrawal of proposal
3.9. Cancellation and postponement
3.10. Important dates for selection of proposals
3.11. Proposal submission and contact point

4.

1
2
3

52
52
52

Description of research agreement.................................................................................. 55
5.1. Contractual procedure
5.2. Research agreement summary

55
55

APPENDIX A INSTRUCTION OF THE PROPOSAL COVER SHEET AND SCHEDULE.............. A-1
APPENDIX B INSTRUCTION OF THE RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS ........................................ B-1
APPENDIX C TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RESEARCH CONTRACT ...................................... C-1
APPENDIX 1 OVERVIEW OF THE GLOBAL CHANGE OBSERVATION MISSION (GCOM) ...... 1-1
APPENDIX 2 OVERVIEW OF THE GLOBAL PRECIPITATION MEASUREMENT (GPM) AND
TROPICAL RAINFALL MEASURING MISSION (TRMM) ....................................................... 2-1
APPENDIX 3 OVERVIEW OF THE EARTH CLOUD, AEROSOL AND RADIATION EXPLORER(EarthCARE) MISSION .................................................................................................................. 3-1
APPENDIX 4 OVERVIEW OF THE ADVANCED LAND OBSERBING STAELLITE-2 (ALOS-2) . 4-1
APPENDIX 5 OVERVIEW OF THE ADVANCED OPTICAL STAELLITE (ALOS-3) ....................... 5-1
APPENDIX 6 OVERVIEW OF THE ADVANCED LAND OBSERBING STAELLITE-4 (ALOS-4) . 6-1
APPENDIX 7 OVERVIEW OF THE MOLI ........................................................................................... 7-1

1.

Introduction

1.1. About the second Research Announcement on the Earth Observations
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) / Earth Observation Research Center(EORC) now conducts the second Research Announcement on the Earth Observations (EORA2) for its Earth observation satellite projects.
In the Japanese fiscal year (JFY) 2015, EORC started the first EO-RA that provide an
opportunity to promote research for the current and the planned JAXA Earth Observation
satellite projects. On the second EO-RA, EORC calls for research proposals that should
contribute to the mission objectives or mission assurances for each satellite mission, develop
new applications or promote Earth science by using single or multiple JAXA Earth
Observation satellites data.
EORC intends to apply the following philosophy on the EO-RA2:•

By providing an opportunity to be able to access to multiple satellites data together,even though targeting research on single satellite mission, EORC considers promoting
multidisciplinary application research, bridging mutual knowledge among missions,and developing more effective research collaboration for the missions.

•

EORC focuses, in the EO-RA2, on the research for the product development andassurance, for the applications to match or enhance mission objectives of the JAXA
satellite missions, and for the Earth science or applications to contribute to the society
by using single or multiple satellites data.

By announcing widely to researchers/engineers of various research areas from domestic
and foreign organizations, EORC will effectively conduct research and productdevelopment on technologies and new insights required to achieve mission successcriteria for JAXA satellite projects.

11.2. About the second Research Announcement on the Earth Observations
1.2.1 Target Missions
The target JAXA missions of the EO-RA2 are GCOM-W, GCOM-C, GPM, ALOS-2,
ALOS-3, ALOS-4, MOLI, EarthCARE and AMSR3.
The research proposals for the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) and its
successor (GOSAT-2) will be excluded from the scope of this EO-RA2, since the dedicated
RA for these satellites has been conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of theEnvironment and the National Institute for Environmental Studies.
The objectives and overview of the missions are described in the APPENDIX 1~7.
Each research proposal on submission must be identified by the satellite mission name and theresearch category to apply.
1.2.2 Research Categories
In the EO-RA2, EORC invites the following research categories, as described in the following
section 1.3. On the Application Research category, such research proposals are desirable aseffectively use JAXA Earth observation satellite data, strengthen and evolve of the existing
output, and/or find the new values that will increase the scientific and social significance ofthe satellite data.
(1) Algorithm Development(2) Standard Algorithm Calibration/validation, and Provision of Validation Data
(3) Application Research
Applicants should consider that JAXA is not a general funding body for the scientificcommunity. This EO-RA2 seeks to accomplish the Earth Observation mission’s goals and to
discover new possibilities for utilizing Earth Observation data. Proposals should clearly
describe plans for the data usage of JAXA Earth Observation data.
1.2.3 Research Period
April or later 2019 (after conclusion of the research agreement) － March 2022
The progress of each selected proposal will be evaluated for its continuation by the annual
progress report submitted to JAXA in the end of each JFY.

2

1.3. About the JAXA Satellite Project ResearchA) Objective
JAXA satellite project research aims to maximize the outcome of the JAXA Earth Observation(EO) satellite projects, and the EO-RA2 calls for the research proposals in three research
categories, (1) Algorithm Development, (2) Standard Algorithm Calibration/validation andProvision of Validation Data, and (3) Application Research.
B) Research Category(1) Algorithm Development- Development and Maintenance of Standard Algorithm
In this category, JAXA seeks for research proposals on maintenance and improvement of thestandard algorithms, which will be used for processing standard products after the launch. In
principle, to utilize the existing results of the first EO-RA directly, proposals from applicants
whose algorithms were selected as the standard algorithm after the launch through the previous
RA research activity will continue to be selected. Selected Principal Investigator (PI) and
JAXA will work together in maintaining, evaluating, implementing, and validating thealgorithms, as well as in preparing the Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document (ATBD) andvalidation plans.
- Development of Research Algorithm
Research algorithms will include a new algorithm to produce standard products with further
improved accuracy, and ones to produce research products. The former ones have the potential
to be selected as standard algorithms at the time of the future product revision through theinter-comparison study with other algorithms. Therefore, the research needs to be carried out
with the required accuracy by each mission in mind. Other preferable characteristics are thesame as those of standard algorithms. Regarding the latter ones, those research products will
have the potential to be candidates of new standard products after certain evaluation process.
(2) Standard Algorithm Calibration/validation, and Provision of Validation Data
JAXA seeks research proposals contributing to the calibration and the validation of standard
products and to the acquisition of basic datasets, which are necessary to improve algorithms.
It is also expected to feed back the validation results to improve sensor calibration. Regarding
the field campaigns and experiments, obtaining both effective validation results and scientificoutputs by collaborating with other research programs is expected. Particularly, measurements
and validation studies of geophysical parameters, for which obtaining the global andoperational validation dataset is difficult, are highly desired.
To apply for improving the algorithms, obtained validation data and knowledge need to beprovided to JAXA. Furthermore, JAXA intends to open these data to the public, after
consulting with the PIs about their disclosure level and release timing. Proposals including
both algorithm development and validation can be submitted to the category of algorithm
development.

3(3) Application Research
In this category, JAXA seeks research proposals for applications to match or enhance mission
objectives by using products from the current following satellite missions; GCOM-W,
GCOM-C, GPM, and ALOS-2.
The research categories applied to each satellite mission are shown in the following table.
Algorithm
Development

Standard Algorithm
Calibration/validation

Application Research

GCOM-W✔（algorithms for the current
standard products are excluded）✔

✔

GCOM-C✔（algorithms for the current
standard products are excluded）

✔

✔

GPM

✔（algorithms for the current
standard products are excluded）✔

✔

ALOS-2--✔

ALOS-3-✔

-

ALOS-4

-

✔

-

MOLI

✔

✔

-

EarthCARE

-

✔

-

AMSR3

✔

-

-

✔: Applicable- : Not Applicable42.

Technical descriptions

2.1. JAXA Satellite Project Research
2.1.1 The Global Change Observation Mission – Water (GCOM-W)
GCOM seeks to establish and demonstrate a global, long-term satellite observing system tomeasure essential geophysical parameters for understanding global climate change and thewater cycle mechanism, and eventually contribute to improving future climate projections
through a collaborative framework with climate model institutions. Demonstrating capabilitiesof operational applications through the provision of continuous data to operational agencies isanother important objective. GCOM will take over the Advanced Earth Observing Satellite-II(ADEOS-II) mission and transition into long-term monitoring of the Earth. To achieve global,
comprehensive, long-term, and homogeneous observation, GCOM consists of two satellite
missions, GCOM-W and GCOM-C (see section 2.1.2). The GCOM-W satellite “SHIZUKU”
was launched in May 2012, and carries the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer-2(AMSR2) to contribute to understanding the water and energy cycle. The AMSR2 instrument
on board GCOM-W is a multi-frequency, dual-polarized, passive microwave radiometer for
observing water-related geophysical parameters. AMSR2 was designed and manufactured
based on the experience of the AMSR aboard ADEOS-II and the AMSR for EOS (AMSR-E),
which completed its scientific observation in October 2011, and is the latest instrument of the
AMSR series. AMSR-E had restarted its observation in slow rotation mode at 2rpm since
December 2012 in order to implement cross-calibration with AMSR2 on orbit but completed
its operation in December 2015. All AMSR-E brightness temperature data obtained during theslow rotation period are open to public via internet(https://suzaku.eorc.jaxa.jp/GCOM_W/research/resdist.html). Currently, the GCOM-W
satellite has been in Post Mission Phase and will continue its operation during this RA period.
Table 2.1.1-1 is mission objectives of the GCOM and targets of GCOM-W. Details of the
GCOM sensor and satellite specification are presented in APPENDIX 1.

5

Table 2.1.1-1 GCOM Objectives and Targets of GCOM-W
GCOM Objectives

GCOM-W Targets

Build a long-term observation system that can observe
effective physical parameters (e.g., sea surface temperature,soil moisture, and so on.) continuously for 10 to 15 years tosolve the mechanism of global climate change and water
cycle, and establish its usability.

Produce and distribute satellite-observed brightness
temperature, two land, three atmosphere, two ocean, and one
cryosphere products as standard products

Improve the prediction accuracy of long-term climatechange by improving the process research on the climatechange mechanism and numerical models, and provide
information service in support of national policy decisions
through cooperation with user organizations that haveclimate models.

Process and provide satellite data to the Data Integration andAnalysis System established by the University of Tokyo,
JAMSTEC, and JAXA.

Establish an Earth-observation satellite system to obtain
important physical parameters to assess the global
environment and seek integrative use with other observation
systems.

Improve the accuracy of short-range forecasts byassimilating data, such as brightness temperature, water
vapor and precipitation, and improving model parameterswith the cooperation of application research organizations.
Through the above activities, confirm the quality of GCOM
data and demonstrate its ability to contribute to predicting
long-term climate change. Contribute to predicting the
global environment response to climate change by observing
sea ice concentration and snow depth in cryosphere and sea
surface temperature in ocean, and so on.

Contribute directly to operational fields, such as predicting
intense weather that may bring disasters by distributing datato operational organizations that provide weather forecasts,
fishery information service, sea-route information control,
etc.

Improve weather forecast accuracy including typhoon
forecast and fishery management by providing data to theJapan Meteorological Agency and the Japan Fisheries
Information Service Center within the required time frame.

Develop new products for effectively clarifying climatechange and the water cycle mechanism, which is difficult to
do with current analysis technology

Produce new research products by cooperating with research
and application organizations.

(1) GCOM-W Algorithm Development
JAXA seeks proposals on maintenance and improvement of the GCOM-W researchalgorithms, which were defined in TABLE 7 of APPENDIX 1. Proposals regarding the
GCOM-W standard algorithms, which were defined in TABLE 6 of APPENDIX 1 andalready adopted and is in operation as standard product, is out of targets of this RA, but
proposals of algorithms with new view points and/or methods will be accepted as researchalgorithm. Proposals on development of other research algorithm that is not defined in TABLE
7 should be applied to the category of GCOM-W Application in Section 2.1.1(3). As describedin Chapter 5, proposals in research algorithm development under the “Collaborative Research
Agreement (Funded/Non-funded),” in principle. Depending on its budget status, JAXA plansto spend 20 million yen per year for total of the GCOM-W project researches (GCOM-W
Algorithm Development, GCOM-W Calibration & Validation, GCOM-W Application, andEarth Observation Priority Researches focused on GCOM-W data).
Research algorithms will include a new algorithm to produce standard products, which were
defined in TABLE 6 of APPENDIX 1, with further improved accuracy, and ones to produce
research products defined in TABLE 7 of APPENDIX 1. The former ones have the potential
to be selected as standard algorithms at the time of future product revision through the intercomparison study with other algorithms. Therefore, the research needs to be carried out withthe goal accuracy in mind. Other preferable characteristics are the same as those of standard
algorithms. Regarding the latter ones, once after the proposed products are selected as research
6

products, those research products will have the potential to be candidates of new standard
products.
(2) GCOM-W Calibration & Validation
JAXA seeks proposals contributing to the validation of standard and research products. It isalso expected to feed back the validation results to improve AMSR2 algorithms and calibration.
Regarding the field campaign and experiments, obtaining both effective validation results andscientific outputs by collaborating with other research programs is expected. Particularly, insitu measurements and validation studies of geophysical parameters, for which obtaining the
global and operational validation dataset is difficult, are highly desired as indicated below.
-

Land
JAXA maintains test sites to obtain validation data such as soil moisture andmeteorological measurements are already established and maintained in the Mongolian
plateau (semi-arid area) and the Murray-Darling basin in Australia (humid to arid area).
JAXA seeks proposals which will actively utilize these validation datasets.

-

Atmosphere
JAXA seeks proposals to validate precipitation and integrated water vapor products by
utilizing operational observation data such as ground-based rain radars. For the validationof precipitation and integrated cloud liquid water, cooperation with other research projects
which can provide us validation data, and the research on quantitative validation bycomparing with other satellite observations are expected.

-

Ocean
JAXA seeks proposals to validate sea surface temperature and sea surface wind speed
products by using operational observation data such as mooring and floating buoys andships. Cooperation with other research projects which can provide us validation data, andthe research on quantitative validation by comparing with other satellite observations are
expected.

-

Cryosphere
Participation to the validation activities using operational ground observation data ofsnow depth, and cooperation with other research projects, in which snow pit observations
are being conducted under a variety of snow condition, is expected. For sea ice validation,
cooperation with research projects operating research vessels in various sea areas, as wellas validation using high spatial resolution satellite images, are expected.

To apply for improving the algorithms, obtained in-situ data and knowledge need to beprovided to JAXA. Providers of in situ data can define the disclosure levels specified in thefollowing Table: for EORC members only, EORC and PIs for algorithm development,
calibration and validation, registered users, and open to the public. The provider will define
the disclosure level for data and provide this information to EORC, which will share the data
via EORC/GCOM-C Web pages (The disclosure level is required to be open wider user levels
as much as possible). It is asked to provide in-situ data which was not funded by JAXA, if thepolicy of the in-situ data is allowed with appropriate disclosure levels.
7

Proposals including both algorithm development and validation can be submitted to thecategory of algorithm development.
As described in Chapter 5, the research themes in this category will be implemented under the“Collaborative Research Agreement (Funded/Non-funded),” in principle. Depending on its
budget status, JAXA plans to spend 20 million yen per year for total of the GCOM-W project
researches (GCOM-W Algorithm Development, GCOM-W Calibration & Validation,
GCOM-W Application, and Earth Observation Priority Researches focused on GCOM-W
data).

8

Table 1 Definition of the disclosure level (DL)General users

Registered users

Other Mission PI

GCOM PI

EORC researchers

Disclosure level(A-D) to be set bydata provider(A)
EORC Internal use
only

OK

-

-

-

-

(B1)
GCOM related PIs
only

OK

OK

-

-

-

(B2)
GCOM & other PIs OK
only

(C)
Registered users

OK(D)
Open to the public OK(no limitation)

Usage1) Cal & Val of SGLI products and/or applications for Earth sciences (such as
scatter plots, statistics from which raw data cannot be reproduced) are
possible to be published. It is necessary to describe the use of JAXA’s
database and the organization of data acquisition in theacknowledgement *1
2) Redistribution of the raw data is prohibited.
1) Cal & Val of GCOM products and/or applications for Earth sciences are
possible to be published. It is necessary to agree with data provider about
how to acknowledge the favor (e.g., including data provider as a co-author
or in the acknowledgement) and to describe the use of JAXA’s database
and the organization of data acquisition in the acknowledgement*1.
2) Data use beyond the objectives of the GCOM mission is prohibited.
3) Redistribution of the raw data is prohibited.

-

1) Cal & Val of GCOM and other environmental missions (GPM, EarthCARE,etc) products and/or applications for Earth sciences are possible to be
published. It is necessary to agree with data provider about how to
acknowledge the favor (e.g., including data provider as a co-author or in
the acknowledgement) and to describe the use of JAXA’s database andthe organization of data acquisition in the acknowledgement *1.
2) Data use beyond the objectives of the GCOM and other mission isprohibited.
3) Redistribution of the raw data is prohibited.

OK OK OK-

1) User registration is required.
2) Applications for Earth sciences are possible to be published. It is necessary
to submit an application form to JAXA prior to the publication. Also, it isnecessary to to describe the use of JAXA’s database and the organizationof data acquisition in the acknowledgement*1.
3) Redistribution of the raw data is prohibited.

OK OK OK

1) It is necessary to describe the use of JAXA’s database when using the dataand publishing results. It is also necessary to report the results ofOKpublication to JAXA*1.
2) Redistribution of the raw data is prohibited.

OK OK

-

*1 follow the JAXA’s policy on data use

9(3) GCOM-W Application
In this category, JAXA seeks application researches, which will contribute to the GCOM-W
mission purposes and its follow-on mission, by utilizing the GCOM-W data and AMSR series.
Especially, JAXA will be intensely focused on following research themes that will emphasize
scientific and/or social values of the GCOM-W mission;•development of new GCOM-W research products;•

development of Climate Data Records with central focus on data from the AMSR
series;•researches that monitor status of Earth system and improve accuracy of future
prediction utilizing data from the AMSR series;•

researches that relate mitigation of and adaptation to climate change utilizing datafrom the AMSR series;•

researches that lead to new operational utilization of the GCOM-W data; and•researches that enhance synergies by combined utilization of GCOM-W data withother missions, such as GCOM-C and GPM.

Other than existing research products that will be solicited in Section 2.1.1(1) “GCOM-W
Algorithm Development,” JAXA seeks new research product that will retrieve newgeophysical parameters, which contribute to purposes of GCOM-W mission and new target
fields, such as marine navigation and resource development in Polar Regions, in its follow-on
mission. Those new research products may include algorithms that are challenging and needfurther research efforts to develop. Each proposal regarding new research product is expected
to target production or submission of new research product when this RA period is completed.
As described in Chapter 5, the research themes in this category will be implemented under the“Collaborative Research Agreement (Funded/Non-funded),” in principle. Depending on its
budget status, JAXA plans to spend 60 million yen per year for total of the GCOM-W
researches (GCOM-W Algorithm Development, GCOM-W Calibration & Validation,
GCOM-W Application, and Earth Observation Priority Researches focused on GCOM-W
data).

10

2.1.2The Global Change Observation Mission – Climate (GCOM-C)

2.1.2.1 GCOM-C mission
The GCOM-C satellite will be equipped with the Second-generation Global Imager (SGLI) to
observe the Earth's atmosphere and surface to elucidate the carbon cycle and the radiationbudget. The GCOM-C mission seeks to establish and to demonstrate a global, long-term
satellite observation system to measure essential geophysical parameters for understanding
global climate change, and the carbon cycle mechanism in cooperation with GCOM-W andother sensors. Its ultimate objectives are to improve future climate projection through acollaborative framework with climate model researches and to demonstrate the capabilities ofoperational applications by providing continuous data to operational agencies (see Tables
2.1.2-1 and 2.1.2-2).
Table 2.1.2-1
GCOM Objectives
Build a long-term observation system that can observe
effective physical parameters (e.g., sea surface
temperature, soil moisture, and so on.) continuouslyfor 10 to 15 years to solve the mechanism of global
climate change and water cycle, and establish its
usability.
Improve the prediction accuracy of long-term climatechange by improving the process research on the
climate-change mechanism and numerical models,and provide information service in support of national
policy decisions through cooperation with userorganizations that have climate models.
Establish an Earth-observation satellite system toobtain important physical parameters to assess theglobal environment and seek integrative use withother observation systems.

GCOM-C Targets

Produce and distribute satellite-observed radiance,nine land, eight atmosphere, seven ocean, and fourcryosphere products as standard products

Process and provide satellite data to the Data
Integration and Analysis System established by the
University of Tokyo, JAMSTEC, and JAXA.

Improve the accuracy of climate change prediction by
assimilating data and improving model parameterswith the cooperation of application researchorganizations. Through the above activities, confirm
the quality of GCOM data and demonstrate its ability
to contribute to predicting long-term climate change.
Contribute to predicting the global environment
response to climate change by observing snow surface
temperature, snow grain size, ocean chlorophyll-aconcentration, and so on.
Contribute directly to operational fields, such as
Improve fishery management by providing data to thepredicting intense weather that may bring disasters by Japan Fisheries Information Service Center within the
distributing data to operational organizations that
required time frame.
provide weather forecasts, fishery information service,
sea-route information control, etc.
Develop new products for effectively clarifying
Produce five land, three atmosphere, seven ocean, andclimate change and the water cycle mechanism, which eight cryosphere research products by cooperating
is difficult to do with current analysis technology
with research and application organizations.

11

Table 2.1.2-2
Success level
Assessment condition

Minimum success

Full success

Extra successComplete calibration and Achieve standard accuracies Achieve the target accuracy
validation phase and start data of all standard products, of one or more productsStandard productdistribution of more than 20 within 5 years after launch,within 5 years after launch.
(Set release threshold/products*3 achieving thestandard/ target accuracies)
release threshold accuracy*2
about 1 year after launch.
*1

data production

Research product*1(Set only target accuracy)

data distribution
*1

*2
*3
*4

NA

NA

Achieve the target accuracyof one or more products
within 5 years after launch or
add new important products
for climate change research.

When the products achieve Continue required-time datathereleasethreshold distribution
duringtheaccuracy, confirm ability to operation
periodfromReal-time availability distribute the data within the confirmation of the release
required time.
threshold accuracy to 5 years
after launch.

NA

When the products achieve Continue observation*4 andthereleasethreshold data
distribution
fromaccuracy, confirm ability to confirmation of release
continuously observe and threshold accuracy to 5 years
distribute products.
after launch.

NA

Continuity

Standard products are defined as products that are especially important for achieving the mission goal, sufficiently confirm theapplication reality from ADEOS-II results etc. and are suitable for operational data distribution. Research products are defined as
products still in the research phase of development and application or are unsuitable for operational data distribution.
Release threshold accuracy: Minimum accuracy for release as available for climate research
The threshold number of products, 20, corresponds to the number of ADEOS-II GLI standard products in the GCOM-C standard
products.
This means to obtain observation data continuously during the planned Earth-observation operation period

Fig. 2.1.2-1 Time table of GCOM-C research plan

12

The GCOM-C PI team has been organized in summer 2009 as the first research period (Sep.
2009 - Mar. 2013), followed by the second research period (Apr. 2013 - Mar. 2016), andcontinued as the third research period (Apr. 2016 - Mar. 2019; see APPENDIX 1-C table C5)
which includes launch time, the initial Cal/Val phase, and the first product release. It will be
continued after FY2019 (C1RA#4 in Fig. 2.1.2-1) for the achievement of the productaccuracy targets and the mission objectives as the “2nd Research Announcement on the Earth
Observations” (Apr. 2019 – Mar. 2022). This RA includes GCOM-C project studies to achieve
the mission success criteria (Table 2.1.2-2) in the post-paunch improvement phase, and seeks
following proposals based on effective use of the GCOM-C data.
(1) GCOM-C product development(a) New approaches for improving accuracy of the standard and research products(b) New GCOM-C products contribute to the mission targets and social needs(2) GCOM-C product validation(a) In-situ measurement, collection, and supply to JAXA for the product evaluationand improvement(b) Validation and characterization of the GCOM-C products, and feedback to thealgorithm version ups(3) GCOM-C application(a) Researches about the current state of the earth system, improvement of the future
prediction, and the global change mitigation and adaptation(b) Basic researches for social implementation in fishery, agriculture, weather
forecast, public health, environmental disaster monitoring and so on

2.1.2.2 Focus of the GCOM-C project research(1) Development of GCOM-C Algorithms
This area seeks research for standard and research algorithms for GCOM-C productdevelopment.
JAXA defines the GCOM-C algorithm product development objectives by the following
points. Proposals are expected to conform to these objectives.
・ Develop algorithms effectively by applying broad knowledge obtained through RA.
・ Develop algorithms efficiently by an in-house algorithm integration team in
JAXA/EORC (Fig. 2.1.2-2)
・ Develop algorithms to construct long-term, stable, and highly accurate datasets
・ Develop stable and effective algorithms that consider research on the operational use
・ Developing new data analysis and application schemes to enhance future possibilityof remote sensing in the Earth environment observation
・ Achieve the product accuracy targets by developing the algorithms as a part of the13

observation system including satellite/sensor design and manufacturing, and feed theresults to the next satellite and sensor development
・ Publish the algorithms as algorithm theoretical basis documents (ATBD) in the JAXA
web siteFig. 2.1.2-2 Example of collaboration and sharing between PI and JAXA in algorithm
development. The map should be modified according to algorithm characteristics andvolume of the code (C or Fortran code).

As shown in Figure 2.1.2-2, selected PIs are requested to collaborate with JAXA to develop
algorithms, implement their codes, validate the output products, and update the algorithm andthe algorithm theoretical basis documents. Details on currently defined standard and research
products and expected research themes are listed in the following part of this section.
Standard algorithms required to meet requirements of the GCOM-C mission: release criteria
at one year after the launch, and standard and target accuracy at five years after launch. The
proposals of algorithms are required to include strategies for algorithm improvement incooperation with validation activities.
Applicants may propose a new algorithm to produce a standard product at a higher quality
than the standard algorithms in the previous RA. Through comparative validation of
performance, the new algorithm may become the new standard algorithm at the point of
product revision. Therefore, research should meet the requirements of target accuracy.
Performance of the algorithm codes (processing speed, stability etc.) are expected to be better
than existing standard ones.
Research algorithms will be evaluated by additional success criteria (target accuracy) for five
years after the satellite launch, and their development must meet requirements. Research
14

products produced by these algorithms could become new candidates for the standard products
after completion of a specific evaluation process.
The science areas, product groups, and research items deemed particularly important inthis RA are described below.
L.

Land

L-1

Precise Geometric Correction Group: Precise Geometrically Corrected Image(PGCI) [standard product]✓ JAXA will take initiatives in developing algorithms for the PGCI and theirvalidations.

L-2

Land Atmospheric Correction Group: Atmospherically Corrected Land Surface
Reflectance [standard product], Vegetation Index [standard product], Land Surface
Albedo [research product]✓ JAXA will take initiatives in the development of the standard products✓ Collaboration with the above development is desired that relates to surface
radiance, and multi-directional reflectance by vegetation, atmospheric radianceincluding aerosol scattering and absorption

L-3

Land Net Primary Production Group: Leaf Area Index (LAI) [standard product],
fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (fAPAR) [standard
product], Water Stress Trend [research product], Land Net Primary Production[research product]✓ JAXA will take initiatives in the development of LAI and fAPAR✓ Modeling of relationship between the satellite observed reflectance and theradiative transfer process of the vegetation in various conditions is needed.
✓ Data acquisition is needed for algorithm development and cooperation withground observation programs such as flux tower observation networks.
✓ Collaboration with studies of carbon cycle and ecological models (C-4) is
encouraged to estimate land CO2 fixation.
✓ Collaboration with activities of L-2, L-4, L-6, and A-3 is desired.
✓ Water stress trend should cooperate or integrate with evapotranspiration
researches. Collaboration with researches of biological processes and agriculture
is encouraged through knowledge of vegetation water stress.

L-4

Above-Ground Biomass Group: Above-Ground Biomass (AGB) [standard product],
Vegetation Roughness Index (VRI) [standard product], Shadow Index [standard
product]✓ AGB algorithm will be developed by basing on the previous RA✓ Modeling of three-dimensional structures and directional reflectance of thevarious shapes of canopies is needed.
✓ Collaboration is needed with a ground observation networks that continuously
measures of biomass such as the diameter at breast-height.
✓ Cooperation with satellite SAR and canopy height LIDAR measurements is
encouraged for improvement of the GCOM-C AGB
15

✓ Establishment of a method to estimate above-ground biomass from 3D laser
scanner measurements which have been conducted by JAXA and other groups
is expected.
✓ Comparison and validation between the temporal change of the biomass and
NPP (L-3) are desired.
✓ Collaboration with activities of the land cover group (L-6) is desired for global
applicability; VRI is expected to improve land cover classification.
L-5

Land Surface Temperature Group: Land Surface Temperature (LST) [standard
product], Fire Detection Index (FDI) [research product]✓ LST will be based on the algorithm developed by the previous RA✓ Collaboration of the heat-budget process and model researches are expected for
improvement of the accuracy and enhancement of product usage.
✓ FDI should be available for real-time processing (short processing time).
✓ Fire power and burned areas estimation is encouraged because FDI is expected
to be used as an information of aerosol source.

L-6

Land Cover Group: Land Cover Type [research product]✓ Effective construction of validation dataset and collaboration with JAXA/EORC
land cover classification are desired.
✓ Algorithms are desired that use 3D information (L-4) and temporal change
analysis by SGLI high-frequency observation.

A.

Atmosphere

A-1 Cloud Product Group: Cloud Flag [standard product], Classified Cloud Fraction[standard product], Cloud-Top Temperature and Height [standard product], Water
Cloud Optical Thickness and Particle Effective Radius [standard product], Ice
Cloud Optical Thickness [standard product], Water Cloud Geometrical Thickness[research product]✓ The standard cloud retrieval algorithms will be based on the algorithm developed
until previous RA✓ Collaboration with common subject C-1 is needed.
✓ Effective use of polarization, multi-angle, near-UV, and O2A band is encouraged✓ Validation study of cloud coverage using the all-sky camera system which has
been developed by JAXA is encouraged.
✓ Cooperation with other JAXA satellite missions (e.g., research collaboration,
work sharing, and participation in workshops) is desired for investigating thecloud radiative forcing by integrated analysis of the multiple satellite data.
✓ Combined analysis with the numerical model through a radiative transfer modeland extension to model assimilation is desired.
A-2 Aerosol Product Group: Aerosol over the Ocean and Land [standard product]✓ The standard aerosol algorithms will be based on the algorithms developed until
previous RA; JAXA will take initiatives in devolvement of generalizedalgorithm and integrated use of aerosol products from multiple sensors✓ New algorithm by effective use of the SGLI features is encouraged✓ Algorithm development is needed with global applicability and considerations
16

for locality aerosol characteristics, as well as the global applicability.
✓ Contribution is needed in defining an aerosol candidate model and improving
and validating the radiative transfer process for aerosol correction over the land
and the ocean.
✓ Effective algorithms for unifying the ocean and land algorithms and for
estimating parameters such as aerosol size distribution and component ratio aredesired.
✓ For aerosol by polarization, including land aerosol estimation through SGLI
polarization observation, collaboration with polarization radiative transfer
research is desired.
✓ Cooperation with AHI and EarthCARE such as research partnerships, work
sharing, and participation in workshops is desired for investigating cloud-aerosolinteraction.
✓ Combined analysis with a numerical model through a radiative transfer modeland its extension to model assimilation are desired.
A-3

Surface Radiation Flux Group: Short-Wave Radiation Flux [research product],Long-Wave Radiation Flux [research product]✓ JAXA will take initiatives in developing algorithms for the satellite-basis
downward shortwave radiation.
✓ Downward long-wave radiation will be estimated by using Cloud GeometricalThickness.
✓ BRDF consideration is encouraged for the upward short- and long-wave
radiation✓ Combined analysis with a numerical model through a radiative transfer modeland its extension to model assimilation are desired.

O.

Ocean

O-1

Ocean Atmospheric Correction Group: Normalized Water-Leaving Radiance(NWLR) [standard product], Atmospheric Correction Parameters [standard
product], Photosynthetically Available Radiation [standard product]✓ The standard atmospheric correction algorithms will be based on the algorithms
developed until previous RA✓ New algorithm using SGLI features, such as 250-m resolution, 380nm band,
multi-angle, and polarimetry, is encouraged.
✓ Improvement in the aerosol estimation and water-leaving reflectance (sharing of
knowledge from C-2) corresponding to in-water algorithms is necessary.
✓ Because ocean color requires particularly high calibration accuracy, algorithm
adaptation to SGLI sensor features and collaboration with calibration activities
including in situ observations for vicarious calibration and NWLR, C-5, arerequired.
✓ Inter-comparison of international products and algorithms are encouraged tocontribute to the ocean color ECV.

O-2

Ocean Color Group: Chlorophyll-a Concentration (CHLA) [standard product],
Total Suspended Matter Concentration (TSM) [standard product], Colored
Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM) [standard product], Inherent Optical Properties
17

[research product], Phytoplankton Functional Type [research product], Red Tide
[research product]✓ The standard algorithms (CHLA, TSM and CDOM) will be based on thealgorithms developed until previous RA✓ Redtide should consider use of fishery and coastal environmental monitoring✓ Coastal algorithm development is planned to be based on characterization of IOP
spectra observed in each coastal region. Therefore, a systematic measurement of
IOP and researches using the IOP (plankton type and optical modeling) is
required.
✓ Combined analysis with a numerical model through in-water bio-optical models
and its extension to model assimilation is encouraged.
✓ Inter-comparison of international products and algorithms are encouraged tocontribute the ocean color ECV.
O-3 Temperature Group: Sea-Surface Temperature (SST) [standard product]✓ JAXA will take initiatives in developing the SST algorithm.
✓ New products that effectively use coastal 250 m spatial resolution and numericalmodeling research are desired.
O-4 Primary Productivity Group: Ocean Net Primary Productivity [research product]✓ Acquisition of highly accurate in situ data is needed.
✓ Combined analysis of a numerical model through in-water bio-optical models
and its extension to model assimilation are desired.
✓ In order to contribute to CO2 absorption estimation, cooperation with research
activities of carbon-cycle and marine-ecosystem models and in-situ
biogeophysical measurement programs(C-4) is desired.
O-5

Multi-Sensor Merged Product: Multi-sensor Merged Ocean Color Parameters[research product], Multi-sensor Merged Sea-Surface Temperature [research
product]✓ A combination of products is desired that overcomes differences such as channel
wavelengths, sensor characteristics, algorithms, and data formats and utilizes
SGLI features such as 250-m resolution and time frequency.
✓ Studies of GCOM-C data assimilation to bio-geo-chemical models areencouraged.

S.

Cryosphere

S-1 Snow Area Discrimination Group: Snow- and Ice-Covered Area [standard product],
Okhotsk Sea-Ice Distribution [standard product], Snow and Ice Classification[research product], Snow-Covered Area in Forests and Mountains [research
product], Ice Sheet Boundary Monitoring [research product]✓ The standard algorithms will be based on the ones developed by the previous
RA✓ New algorithm researches using the SGLI features is encouraged✓ Contribution to other groups through C-1 activities such as discrimination
between cloud and snow/ice areas is needed.
✓ Acquisition of in situ data for effective validation and cooperation with in situ
18

monitoring by other groups is needed.
✓ Contribution to aerosol models and weather models (as a boundary condition) is
encouraged.
S-2

Snow-Surface Properties Group: Snow and Ice Surface Temperature [standard
product], Snow Grain Size of Shallow Layer [standard product], Snow Grain Sizeof Subsurface Layer [research product], Snow Grain Size of Top Layer [research
product], Snow Impurity [research product]✓ The standard algorithms will be based on the ones developed by the previous
RA✓ New algorithm researches using the SGLI features is encouraged✓ Because opportunities for in situ measurements are generally limited, productvalidation must be conducted through effective in situ measurement incooperation with domestic and foreign institutions, and theoretical evaluation oferror budget.
✓ In order to contribute to research on Earth environment changes and climate
prediction, cooperation with research on snow/ice physical processes and albedo(S-3) with numerical models (C-4) is desired.

S-3 Snow Albedo Group: Snow and Ice Albedo [research product], Ice Sheet Surface
Roughness [research product]✓ Cooperation with the S-2 group, which measures snow grain size and impurities
that significantly influence albedo, is desired.
✓ Developments that consider application by numerical modeling are needed.
C.

Common Issues

Common issues that encourage collaboration among PI activities are coordinated by
JAXA EORC.
C-1 Cloud and Snow/Ice Discrimination
・ A common task in most products and algorithms is to distinguish clear-sky, cloud,and snow/ice areas from SGLI TOA radiance data. However, the development ofan appropriate discrimination scheme specific to each application is necessary.
JAXA will encourage PI teams to share their knowledge of spectral features of eachobservation target and discrimination schemes and to effectively implement theindividual algorithms.
・ A mini workshop in 2011 was the basis for consolidation of the knowledge of eacharea for cloud discrimination algorithms and for evaluating the validation schemeby using whole-sky camera systems. The cloud amount was estimated with a highdegree of accuracy from whole-sky camera data; research that effectively integrates
such data into algorithm improvement and validation is encouraged.
C-2 Aerosol Correction
・ The light reflected from observation targets from atmospherically scattered lightmust be separated and corrected to estimate land, ocean, and snow surface
reflectance from satellite-observed radiances, particularly those related to aerosol
19

properties A-2. For this purpose, JAXA promotes sharing and exchange ofknowledge and processing techniques for the radiative transfer process of theatmosphere–surface system.
・ Direction of the development of an atmospheric correction algorithm has been
discussed in the mini-workshop in 2012 and we are developing the algorithm bycooperation among researches on the land surface and the atmosphere. This RA willcontinue to promote activities for sharing knowledge of surface and aerosol
products from each area among JAXA and PI groups.
C-3 Polarization Study
・ Polarimetry is a unique function of SGLI. Besides aerosol estimation (A-2), thedevelopment of new products and their applications are encouraged throughpolarization observation.
・ Because polarimetry is an unique function in sensor development, collaboration
between JAXA’s radiance calibration activity and the knowledge and skill on
atmospheric and earth surface polarization is encouraged.
C-4 Integrated Analysis of Global Environmental Change
・ Cooperation with research on monitoring and predicting the carbon cycle andradiative forcing is needed to achieve the GCOM mission targets. The newrequirements and knowledge from the researches should be reflected to the next
satellite product development. This common group encourages exchange ofknowledge and skill from research of model assimilation and combined analysis ineach area and group.
C-5 Consideration of SGLI Calibration Performance・ Accuracy of products depends on combination between performance of the SGLI
sensor and the algorithm error. It is necessary, therefore, to develop algorithms
optimized for the SGLI performance along with the progress of SGLI
characterization and calibration. For example, cooperation is promoted between theteam evaluating the radiative transfer process in the algorithms and the teamconducting ground truth observations and vicarious calibration. In addition,
evaluation and correction of the impact of SGLI characteristics on geophysicalproducts are encouraged.
(2) Validation Observation and Product Validation
This research area seeks proposals of validation observation and effective product validation
through cooperation with other ground and satellite observation researches. Table C1 in
APPENDIX 1-C details the definition and validation methods for each product.
The validation category proposals are required to consider the current validation plan including
observation parameters, instruments, and site locations (see Tables C2 and C3 in APPENDIX
1-C) which has been established by previous RAs.
The results must be applied directly to the post-launch in-situ data acquisition, validation
analysis, which includes evaluation of product accuracy for confirming success criteria
achievement, and the algorithm improvement.
20Special emphasis will be placed on researches that effective validation data acquisition andcollaboration with JAXA’s validation analysis. Because GCOM-C is a global observation
mission, validation observation and analysis for accuracy evaluation and improvement on a
global coverage is a particular requirement.
Proposals of in-situ data acquisition through collaboration with observation activities by otherfunds are also encouraged for enhancement of in-situ data coverage for the GCOM-C productvalidation. New observation plans, which include in-situ data acquisition and productevaluation methods, and will improve the GCOM-C product evaluation, can be proposed inaddition to the Tables C2 and C3 in APPENDIX 1-C.
Error budget analysis for pixel error approximation and estimation of error-budget models foreach product are also important for products with limited points of observation or productsthat utilize numerical models.
Obtained in situ observation data and knowledge must be provided to JAXA and the PI in
charge of algorithms for application of algorithm improvement and post-launch validation.
Providers of in situ data can define the disclosure levels specified in APPENDIX 1-C TABLE
C4: for EORC members only, EORC and PIs for algorithm development, calibration andvalidation, registered users, and public open. The provider will define the disclosure level fordata and provide this information to EORC, which will share the data via EORC/GCOM-C
Web pages (The disclosure level is required to be open wider user levels as much as possible).
It is asked to provide in-situ data which was not funded by JAXA, if the policy of the in-situ
data is allowed with appropriate disclosure levels.
(3) Application Research
Perform research on monitoring environmental changes and improving future prediction andresearch leading to social benefits including practical applications such as monitoring fishery
management, agricultural use, biological carbon fixation, environment and disaster monitoring,and so on.
Integrated use of GCOM-C data with other satellite data and ground measurements can beproposed to achieve the application researches as well as the above algorithm and validation
researches effectively.
2.1.2.3 Notes about the GCOM-C research proposals
The GCOM-C project research seeks to accomplish the GCOM-C mission’s goals and to
discover new possibilities for utilizing GCOM-C data. Proposals should clearly describe plansfor GCOM-C data usage.
JAXA plans to select about 40 proposals under this RA, including both funded and non-funded.
The principal investigator (PI) of each selected proposal will become a science team memberof GCOM-C. The PI will conduct frequent discussions and collaborations with JAXA Earth
Observation Research Center (EORC) staffs for the algorithm development, validation, andapplication studies. PIs will be able to receive prioritized distribution of the new version of the
GCOM data under the collaboration. The PI must attend and present the research statuses atannual PI workshops. The science team leader and sub-leaders will participate in the GCOM
Advisory Committee and SGLI application working group to feed back our activities to the21GCOM overall objectives and mission requirements.
Depending on its budget status, JAXA plans to spend 80 million yen/year for total PI within
the three years of this RA period. The budget for each PI may change for the following year
depending on the results of PI research evaluation held at the annual GCOM workshop. JAXA
may also select non-funded PIs for researches without the requirement of additional costs or
researches not directly related to the success criteria of GCOM.

222.1.3Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM)

Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) is an international mission led by the U.S. and Japan.
The U.S. and Japan will jointly develop the GPM Core Observatory, a successor of the TRMM
satellite, and collaborate with several constellation satellites, that will carry microwave
radiometers and be launched by international partners.
Similar to a mission for water cycle variation observation under JAXA’s Earth Environmental
program, mission objectives of GPM are to continue and expand knowledge and outcomes
obtained by the TRMM satellite, and to achieve the following targets;
・ Highly accurate and frequent global precipitation observation for climate and water
cycle change;
・ Data utilization method development through distribution of near real time global
precipitation maps;
・ Development and demonstration of the improved precipitation retrieval method of themulti microwave radiometers (including both imager and sounder) using DPR data;
・ Application demonstration for operational use, such as flood prediction, numerical
weather forecast, prevention of damage from a storm and flood; and・ Demonstration of DPR technology, which will succeed and expand TRMM/PR
technology, to achieve highly accurate precipitation observation.
Descriptions of the GPM and TRMM missions, satellites, and sensor systems can be found inlater Appendix.
From the first to the fifth PMM RAs were implemented with a focus on research related
to the TRMM satellite, which was launched in November 1997. The last two RAs (thesixth and seventh RAs,) for the period from Japanese Fiscal Year (JFY) 2010 to 2012 (forthe sixth), from 2012 to 2015 (for the seventh) and from 2016 to 2018 (for the eighth)
focused on research themes especially those contributing to the development of GPM
algorithms.
The GPM Core Observatory was launched in February 2014, completed the Prime
mission phase on June 2017 and moved to the extended mission phase. This RA covers a
3-year research period beginning in JFY 2019, which corresponds to the extended mission
phase.
In this RA, JAXA will continue to invite research proposals for model utilization and data
assimilation, as well as those contributing to the development and improvement of GPM
algorithms needed for producing long-term data sets and will focus more on application
studies.
The Principal Investigator (PI) of selected proposals will be a member of the JapanesePrecipitation Measuring Mission (PMM) Science Team. JAXA’s Earth Observation ResearchCenter (EORC) will work together closely with the PMM Science Team, especially inalgorithm development and validation activities.
Although it will depend on the budget situation, JAXA plans to spend 30,000,000 yen as
annual total budget. All categories of domestic and foreign organizations with nonprofit andpeaceful purposes, except students, may apply under this RA. However, funding may differ
for each research category and applicant. Funding by JAXA is basically restricted to domestic
23

PIs.
All applicants should keep in mind that JAXA is not a general funding body for thescientific community. This RA seeks to accomplish the GPM mission's goals and to find
new possibilities for utilizing GPM and TRMM data. Proposals should clearly describeplans for GPM and TRMM data usage.
Based on the GPM and TRMM objectives, JAXA seeks proposals in the following threeresearch areas: algorithm development, validation, and application research. Please see
Section 1.5 for priorities in selection of proposal. Details are described in Sections 2.1.3.1 to
2.1.3.3.
2.1.3.1 Algorithm Development
As described in (1)-(4) below, research themes to develop and improve JAXA GPM
standard algorithms will be adopted in this RA. In addition, JAXA and PIs will jointly
evaluate the algorithms and install these in JAXA computer systems. This research themeis generally supported through a “Commissioned Research Agreement.”
Selected PIs will belong to the Algorithm Development Team under the JAXA PMM
Science Team. They are also requested to join or collaborate with the NASA-JAXA Joint
Algorithm Team, whose objective is to develop NASA-JAXA joint standard algorithms(the DPR and DPR/GMI combined) for the GPM Core Observatory.
Table 2.1.3-1 lists JAXA standard products of the GPM mission, and Table 2.1.3-2 issame but for near-real-time products. In addition, as a "TRMM / GPM standard climate
product", there are products created by applying the GPM standard algorithm to the dataof the TRMM to create a consistent long-term data set between TRMM and GPM.
Algorithms to produce geophysical products other than those noted here will beconsidered new products and will be included in Theme 3 “Application Research.”24

Table 2.1.3-1 JAXA GPM Standard Products
Level Algorithm

Product

Major physical parameter

Unit

KuPR algorithm

KuPR productReceived power profile

Orbit

KaPR algorithm

KaPR productReceived power profile

Orbit

1

KuPR product

DPR algorithm(Japan-US joint)

KaPR product2
Dual-frequency
precipitation
product

3

Radar reflectivity profile,normalized radar surface crosssection (σ0), rain type, brightOrbit
band height, attenuation
corrected radar reflectivity
profile, rain rate profile
Radar reflectivity profile,normalized radar surface crosssection (σ0), rain type, brightOrbit
band height, attenuation
corrected radar reflectivity
profile, rain rate profile
Rain rate profile,
drop size distribution,
Orbit
precipitation status (rain/snow),
attenuation profile

DPR/GMI
combined
DPR/GMIrain rate profile,Orbitalgorithm (Japan- combined product surface rain rate
US joint)
DPR latent
DPR latent heating
Latent heating profile, rain type Orbit
heating algorithm product
Mean surface rainfall, time
information,
Daily
Ascending/Descending flag
Mean rainfall (dual),
observation number, rain pixel Daily
number, mean bright-band(Asc/height, storm height, rain/snow Dsc)
Dual-frequency
DPR algorithm
determination, time information
precipitation(Japan-US joint)
Mean rainfall (single, dual),
product
observation number,rain pixel number,mean bright-band height, storm
Monthlyheight, mean attenuation
corrected radar reflectivity
profile, mean DSD parameters,
histogram
DPR/GMI
Mean rainfall,
combined
DPR/GMIobservation number,Monthly
algorithm (Japan- combined productrain pixel number,
US joint)
DPR latent
DPR latent heating Latent heating profile, number Orbit
heating algorithm productof latent heating pixel
Monthly
GlobalGlobalHourlyMean rainfall, observation
precipitation map precipitation map
number, rain pixel number
Monthly
algorithm
product

25

Coverage
245km(swath)125km(swath)245km(swath)125km(swath)245km(swath)125km/
245km(swath)245km(swath)GlobalGlobalGlobalGlobalGlobalGlobalGlobalGlobalTable 2.1.3-2

JAXA GPM near-real-time products

Level

Algorithm

Product

Major
Parameters

1R

Depends on eachsensorMicrowave
radiometerproduct

Unit

Coverage

Brightness temperature

arbitrarily

Depends
on eachsensor

DPR algorithm(Japan-US joint)

Dual-frequency
precipitation
product

Rain rate profile,
drop size distribution,
precipitation status(rain/snow),
attenuation profile

arbitrarily

245km

DPR/GMI
combinedalgorithm (JapanUS joint)

DPR/GMI
combined productrain rate profile,surface rain rate

Orbit

125km/
245km

Globalprecipitation map
algorithm

Globalprecipitation map
product

Mean rainfall,
observation number, rain
pixel number

HourlyGlobal

2R

3R

Physical(1) DPR Algorithm
This theme encompasses research to develop or improve algorithms, completely orin part, to produce the GPM Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) Level 2 and3 standard products shown in Table 2.1.3-1.
The DPR Level 2 algorithms should have the following functions;・ To estimate rain rate profiles by using received power profiles observed by Kuband Precipitation Radar (KuPR) and Ka-band Precipitation Radar (KaPR) in acomplementary style;・ To detect rain or no-rain pixels, and the height of ground clutter; and・ To estimate rain types, storm height, and bright-band height.
Furthermore, algorithm development will include following components and theirevaluation.
・ Utilization of KaPR data;➢ Development and improvement in correction of attenuation in Ka-bandby non-precipitation particles, such as clouds, and detection of brightband in Ka-band, precipitation-type classification in Ka-band;➢ Development and improvement of technology to estimate parameters
relating to non-uniform beam filling using high-density observation
and/or full swath (245km) observations in Ka-band; and➢ Retrievals of solid precipitation using high-sensitive observation in Kaband.
・ Effective utilization of dual-frequency observation;➢ Estimation of drop size distribution by dual-frequency observation; and26

➢ Development and improvement in detection of bright band in dualfrequency observation, and precipitation-type classification in dualfrequency observation; and➢ Evaluation of accuracy of Surface Reference Technique in dualfrequency observation.
(2) Global Precipitation Map (GSMaP) Algorithm
This theme encompasses research to develop or improve the following fivealgorithms, completely or in part, which compose algorithms to produce the Global
Precipitation Map (GSMaP) standard products, shown in Table 2.1.3-1;
・ Microwave imager rain retrieval algorithm (MWI algorithm);
・ Microwave sounder rain retrieval algorithm (MWS algorithm) ;・ Microwave imager/sounder rain retrieval algorithm (MWIS algorithm);
・ Microwave-Infrared (IR) combined algorithm (MVK algorithm); and・ Rain gauge correction algorithm (Gauge algorithm.)
Furthermore, algorithm development will include following components and theirevaluation;
・ Development and improvement of the DPR-based precipitation physics
databases;
・ Development and improvement of accuracy of sold precipitation over highlatitudes using high-frequency channels available in GMI and microwave
sounders;
・ Development and improvement of the near-real-time Gauge algorithm applying
rainfall correction method by using rain gauges; and・ Development and improvement of precipitation estimation technique using new
methodology such as machine learning(3) DPR Latent Heating Algorithm
This theme encompasses research to develop algorithms, completely or in part, toproduce the DPR Latent Heating Level 2 and 3 standard products shown in Table
2.1.3-1.
The DPR Latent Heating algorithm will be developed in Japan.
In developing the DPR Latent Heating algorithm, applicants should pay attention tofollowing points;
・ Use algorithms on the TRMM/PR Latent Heating standard algorithms to theextent possible; and・ Develop algorithm applicable to both PR and DPR in order to produce longterm continuous data set.
27

Furthermore, the following components have to be developed and evaluated to produce
the DPR Latent Heating products;
・ Development and improvement of estimation method of latent heating
profiles in mid- and high-latitudes; and・ In the case of utilizing numerical models, evaluation of algorithms along withevaluation of reproducibility in precipitation (latent heating) profiles.
2.1.3.2 Validation
As described in (1)-(4) below, research themes to contribute to development and improvementof the JAXA GPM standard algorithms (hereafter referred as to “Algorithm Validation,”),research themes to evaluate accuracy of the GPM and TRMM Level 2 and 3 standard products,
in particular, in terms of precipitation rate (hereafter referred as to “Product Validation”),
research themes to conduct inter-comparisons of precipitation datasets, and research themesthat will be effectively implemented by collaborating with other research programs, will be
adopted in this RA.
This research theme is basically supported through a “Collaborative Research Agreement,”
but some research, which is supposed to be essential to fulfill the GPM mission, may besupported through a “Commissioned Research Agreement.”(1) Algorithm Validation
This theme encompasses researches related to validation of the algorithm to produce
the DPR Level 2 standard product (DPR algorithm). Particularly, researches tocompare and evaluate models and parameters relating precipitation estimates in thealgorithm using ground observations will be recommended. In addition, sinceobservation of solid precipitation is one of major target of the GPM mission, which
covers latitude of 65 degree, researches to propose knowledge obtained by groundobservation of snowfall to algorithm developers.
Applicants have to acquire and analyze data obtained by observation experiments
combining ground-based instruments and creating databases that contribute todevelopment or improvement of the GPM standard algorithms.
JAXA can rental some ground observation instruments (*) owned by JAXA andprovide data obtained by past campaign observations to selected PIs. Please contact
to the PMM RA Office (PMM_RA @ ml.jaxa.jp) for further details. (*: two OpticalRain Gauges, two Laser-Optical Present Weather Sensors, etc.)
Examples of research include the following;
・ Validation to compare ground data obtained by the past campaign
observations by ground-based instruments (2DVD, meteorologicalinstruments, sondes, etc.) and multi-band ground-based radars (JAXA Kaband ground radars and/or other radars) with precipitation profiles retrievedby the GPM/DPR algorithms;
・ Examination of adequacy of the DPR algorithms by consolidating andanalyzing existing data;28

・ Routine observations of snowfalls and melting layers by groundobservation instruments (radars, 2DVD, meteorological instruments,
microwave radiometers, etc.,) understanding characteristics of snow andmelting particles by them, and comparisons with profiles estimated by
DPR; and・ Collecting observation data of various parameters related to precipitation
rate estimate algorithms, especially related to snowfall, such as Z-R
relationship, Z-M relationship, drop size distribution (DSD,) fall velocity,
volumetric distribution, mean density, and shapes of snowflake, hail andsleet, consolidating observation data of various parameters related toprecipitation rate, especially snowfall, estimate algorithms, creating
databases using them to contribute to algorithm development and/or
improvement, and providing those databases to the Algorithm Development
Teams.
(2) Product Validation
This theme encompasses researches contributing to validation of parameters, suchas precipitation, precipitation profile, rain/snow specification, precipitation type, etc.,
included in the GPM Level 2 and 3 standard products. Especially, verification of the
products using ground instrument (rain gauge, radar, and etc.) network worldwide
such as in Asian countries, validation from hydrological aspects will berecommended.
Followings are examples of research to evaluate accuracy of precipitation;
・ Collecting long-term and widely distributed ground operational
observations by rain gauge and radar, and validating the GPM and TRMM
products by instantaneous and statistical values such as averages, trends, andhistograms;
・ Validating the GPM and TRMM products using the ground instruments for
detection of heavy precipitation, in particular, in extreme precipitation
events; and・ Comparing river runoff rates when the GPM and TRMM products are used
as inputs in hydrologic models, with actual river runoff rates.
(3) Inter-comparison of Precipitation Datasets
This theme encompasses researches conducting inter-comparison of various precipitation
datasets, which are produced by using satellite and/or ground observations, with central
focuses on the GPM, TRMM and GSMaP, and contributing to improvement of the
GSMaP products.
(4) Other Validation Activities and Data Collection
Research themes related to other validation activities and data collection andpreparation other than above (1)-(3) will also be adopted. Research that will beeffectively implemented by collaborating with other research programs, or research
29

that will contribute to validation of the GPM standard products will be recommended.
2.1.3.3 Application Research
Research themes related to application research to utilize satellite-based precipitation
observation data, such as the GPM and TRMM data, will be adopted in this RA. For
example, following research themes are included;
・ research to utilize the GPM and TRMM data into atmospheric, climate, land,hydrological, and other models, and/or by data assimilation;
・ development and evaluation of new research products, such as data assimilation
using the GPM and TRMM data, or combination of other satellites and/or sensors
with them;・ creation of long-term and continuous data set using the GPM and TRMM products;
・ research contributing to climate and global water cycle variation and precipitation
system climatology using long-term satellite data, necessarily including the GPM
and TRMM data;・ operational utilization research leading to societal benefits at present and in the
future GPM era, for example, flood prediction, water resource management,
weather forecast, agricultural field, etc.;
・ data utilization research in Asia, Africa and other areas, where ground precipitation
observation is not sufficient; and・ research contributing EORC’s cross-cutting research themes (see Section 1.1)
mainly using GPM and TRMM data
This research theme will generally be implemented through a “Collaborative Research
Agreement.”30

2.1.4

Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 (ALOS-2)

The Research Announcement (RA) related to the Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2(ALOS-2) have been called the 4th and 6th RAs and the 1st RA on the Earth Observations(EO-RA1) so far. This research announcement (EO-RA2) seeks research proposals on“Application Research” (Priority Themes) utilizing ALOS-2, which is looking ahead topost operational phase since May 2019, and the accepted proposal will contract as a “nonfunded Collaborative Research Agreement”. Therefore, same research theme approved in
the past RAs are not allowed in EO-RA2.
Approximately 150 proposals will expect to accept as maximum in EO-RA2.
(1) ALOS-2 Application Research (Priority Themes)
To create further achievement of ALOS-2 mission and based on the current priority
JAXA’s satellite utilization program, EO-RA2 seeks research proposals on “Application
Research” (Priority Themes) as follows. Please select and indicate the preferred“Research Theme” in your proposal.
■ALOS-2 Application Research (Priority Themes)
I. Natural disaster preventions, crustal and land surface deformations measurement,
and their sophisticated method development,
II. Forest management, forest, wetland and ecosystem related parameters
measurement, and their sophisticated method development, andIII. Oceanography, sea-state condition, ship detection and environmental parameters
measurement, and their sophisticated method development.
■ Expected “Research Theme” (Indicate the preferred one to three numbers in the
proposal)I. Natural disaster prevention, crustal and land surface deformations measurement:① Conditions and damage estimations due to natural disasters i.e. flooding, landslide,earthquake and volcanic activity, especially a robust and automatic analysis method
development, and quantitative evaluation between processing time and estimatedaccuracy.
② SAR Interferometry analysis and sophisticated research: multi-temporal method,correction methods, application of InSAR coherence.
③ SAR polarimetric utilizations (single-, dual-, and quad-pol) in retrieving disaster
related information.
④ Predictions of volcanic activities and landslides etc.
⑤ Infrastructure monitoring: sophisticated method and practical usage.
⑥ Improvement of extraction of disaster related information by combined use of
ALOS-2 and other satellites.
⑦ ALOS-2 and ALOS-4 mutual usage and time series analysis method.
⑧ Research group on the PALSAR Interferometry Consortium to Study our Evolving
Land surface (PIXEL).
II. Forest management, forest, wetland and ecosystem related parameters
measurement① Forest area monitoring, and early detection of its change.
31

② Practical usage of forest management issues using ALOS-2 i.e. deforestation, forest
degradation, above ground biomass and carbon stock estimation.
③ Precise estimations of land-use and land-cover including vegetation typeclassification and their change using polarimetry and phase information.
④ Ecosystem related parameters estimation and its sophisticated method.
⑤ Improvement of extraction of forest, wetland and ecosystem related information by
combined use of ALOS-2 and other satellites.
⑥ ALOS-2, ALOS-4 and MOLI mutual usage and time series analysis method.
⑦ Research Group on the Kyoto & Carbon Initiative
III. Oceanography, ocean-state condition, ship detection and environmental parameters
measurement① Improvement of understanding of ocean-state conditions i.e. ocean wind speed andwaves.
② Polar environment observations e.g. sea ice, ice sheet, glacier and permafrost etc.
and their sophistications.
③ Sophisticated methods of maritime traffic monitoring and ship detection.
④ Improvement of extraction of ocean-state condition and environmental informationby combined use of ALOS-2 and other satellites.
⑤ ALOS-2 and ALOS-4 mutual usage and time series analysis method.
■Additional Points
For review process, the research proposals that include the following items effectively
will be added the points.
① Sharing the own reference data i.e. validation data on the ground with JAXA.
② Research proposal in group and share ALOS-2 data within the group to contributestreamlining of data provision from JAXA.
③ Plan on publication of higher level- and research-products and analysis tools
developed and verified by the proposer.
④ Publication plan of active achievements in Web sites, media, papers, academic
societies, committees, etc.
⑤ Combined use of ALOS-2 with other satellite data, products, numerical models
etc., and proposal of new analysis method using machine learning, deep learning,
artificial intelligence (AI).
⑥ Research proposals aimed at ALOS-4 applications.
⑦ Regarding the technology of the proposal, the current Application Readiness Level,(ARL)*1 of application, and aiming ARL for this research announcement (EORA2).
(2) Notes on data provision request of ALOS-2 and ALOS
In past the ALOS-2 RAs, the accepted research proposal could be used up to 50 scenes of
ALOS and ALOS-2 standard products per fiscal year free of charge. However, data orders
from PIs tend to concentrate at the end of the fiscal year. It was occasionally exceeding
the capacity of processing systems and affected not only RA activities but also generalusers. From this reflection, please be aware that the ALOS and ALOS - 2 standard
products data will be provided under this policy as follows.
32

①

Validity evaluation of the number of data requests of ALOS and ALOS-2

To validate the number of data requests of ALOS and ALOS-2, please indicate your area ofinterests (AOIs) clearly i.e. name of location, area, latitude and longitude), analysis method,summary of the availability of ALOS and/or ALOS-2 data for your research proposal andrequested scene numbers in your proposal. For each research proposal up to 20 scenes in a
fiscal year as a guide and following conditions, JAXA will evaluate your data requests for
ALOS and ALOS-2.
You can confirm availability of ALOS and ALOS-2 archived data using “ALOS-2/ALOS User
Interface Gateway” (AUIG2) system on
https://auig2.jaxa.jp/openam/UI/Login?
You can also see the Basic Observation Scenario (BOS) of ALOS-2 as future observation
plan onhttps://www.eorc.jaxa.jp/ALOS/en/top/obs_top.htm
Note that the BOS may be subject to changes and revisions by JAXA, and future
observation should therefore not be considered.
② Regulation of data order timing
In order to avoid concentrating orders at the end of the fiscal year, JAXA will ask PI todivide the number of offerings and set a provision deadline individually (for example, tobe able to order 1/4 of the planned number of all quarterly in each quarter of the year etc.).
③ Recommendation of group proposal
JAXA recommends you submit a research proposal in groups with the same research
purpose. JAXA will sign a contract with the research organization (RO) of the principle
researcher (PI), and group member will involve as Co-Investigators (CIs). The provided
ALOS and ALOS-2 data will be shared within the group.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
*1: Definition of the Application Readiness Level (ARL)
Level
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

Definition
Approved, operational deployment and use in decision
making (Sustained use).
Application completed and qualified (Functionality proven).
Application prototype in user’s decision making(Functionality demonstrated).
Demonstration in relevant environment (Potential
demonstrated).
Validation in relevant environment (Potential determined).
Initial integration and verification (Prototype/Plan).
Proof of application concept (Viability established).
Application concept (Invention).
Basic research (Baseline ideas).

33

Phase
Integration
into User’s
SystemDevelopment,
Testing andValidation
Discovery
andFeasibility

2.1.5 Advanced Optical Satellite（ALOS-3）
The Advanced Optical Satellite (ALOS-3) is the next high-resolution optical mission as a
successor of the Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS, “Daichi”), and is now underdeveloping in the Critical Design Review (CDR) phase. The major mission objectives of
ALOS-3 are (1) to contribute safe and secure social including provisions for natural disasters,and (2) to create and update geospatial information. The wide-swath and high-resolution
optical imager (WISH, as a tentative name) is designed to be achieved the mission objectives,and consists of the panchromatic band and multispectral bands by six channels.
The specifications of ALOS-3 as well as the onboard instrument WISH are considered to
improve and enhance a fine resolution and global observation capabilities achieved by the
Panchromatic Remote Sensing for Stereo Mapping (PRISM) and the Advanced Visible andNear Infrared Radiometer type-2 (AVNIR-2) onboard ALOS. For example, the groundsampling distance (GSD) is 0.8 m of WISH’s panchromatic band compared with 2.5 m of
PRISM, and 3.2 m for multi-bands with 10 m of AVNIR-2, even the observation swath widths
are same as 70 km at nadir, respectively. For multispectral observation, two channels are addedfrom AVNIR-2 i.e. Coastal and RedEdge that will contribute to bathymetry and environmental
monitoring in coast regions, and to activation level monitoring in forests, vegetation andagricultural areas. A detailed description of ALOS-4 is given in Appendix 5.
This research announcement seeks research proposals on “Standard Algorithm
Calibration/validation, and Provision of Validation Data” (Cal/Val) for ALOS-3, which will belaunched in Japanese Fiscal Year 2020. Approximately 20 proposals will expect to approve as
maximum.
(1) ALOS-3 Standard Algorithm Calibration/validation, and Provision of
Validation Data (Cal/Val)
This research announcement seeks research proposals contributing to calibration, validation,
image quality evaluation, and their accuracy improvement of ALOS-3 standard products tosatisfy the specified accuracies as well as to development and sharing reference data.
The approved researchers may be able to participate as a member of the Calibration/Validationand Science Team (CVST) to be established by JAXA, therefore that sufficient results may beobtained during the initial Cal/Val phase scheduled within the first six months after the launch.
Proposals that plan to share the information of your reference data for Cal/Val among
CVST members, own developed high-level products or analysis tools will be
preferentially accepted.
Expected research themes are as follows: Methods of calibration, validation, and accuracy improvement for standard
products
 Assessing accuracy and applicability of standard products from the initial Cal/Val
phase to the beginning of the operational phase Development and sharing of high-level products and analysis tools for
fundamental applications
 Experiment and demonstration using new features and methods of ALOS-3 i.e.
application development using two new multispectral channels, improvement ofcloud detection, sophisticated atmospheric correction, 3-D location measurement34using two observation paths data or large base-to-height ratio, sophisticated multitemporal analysis, automatic image interpretation, robust method using machinelearning/deep learning)
Research on new technology for future missions(2) Notes on application for ALOS-3 RA
This research announcement of ALOS-3 will be implemented under the “non-funded
Collaborative Research Agreement”.
The approved research themes will be accessible to relevant ALOS and ALOS-2 data (limited
amount) and simulated ALOS-3 images before the satellite launch. After ALOS-3 is launched
and the initial Cal/Val phase starts, uncalibrated standard products will be available forcalibration and assessment. In order to acquire essential data such as calibration sites, accepted
researchers may submit observation requests under discussions with JAXA. Technicalinformation on ALOS-3 and its products will be provided in advance of its launch.
If you require provisions of the ALOS and ALOS-2 standard products, please refer “2.1.4
Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 (ALOS-2)” for the policy.
Please note that the research plan may have to be changed according to the satellite
development schedule.

352.1.6 Advanced Land Observing Satellite-4（ALOS-4）
The Advanced Land Observing Satellite-4 (ALOS-4) is a mission aiming at precise
monitoring of crustal and ground deformations using high-resolution and wide-swath
observation by L-band SAR technology, which has continuously been developed in Japan. For
the continuity and expansion of its predecessor mission ALOS-2, ALOS-4 also targets
advancing weather-independent monitoring of disaster, forest, sea ice, ship, and infrastructure.
These will be realized by the L-band SAR aboard ALOS-4, called PALSAR-3, which iscapable of high-resolution observation with a 4 times wider swath width compared to
PALSAR-2 aboard ALOS-2. ALOS-4 will be launched in the same orbit as ALOS-2 to enable
continuous interferometric analysis using both the satellites. A detailed description of ALOS4 is given in Appendix 6.
This research announcement seeks research proposals on “Standard Algorithm
Calibration/validation, and Provision of Validation Data” (Cal/Val) for ALOS-4, which will belaunched in Japanese Fiscal Year 2020. Approximately 20 proposals will expect to approve as
maximum.
(1) ALOS-4 Standard Algorithm Calibration/validation, and Provision of Validation
Data (Cal/Val)
This research announcement seeks research proposals contributing to calibration, validation,
and accuracy improvement of ALOS-4/PALSAR-3 standard products to satisfy the specified
accuracies and to development and sharing reference data.
The approved researchers may be able to participate as a member of the Calibration/Validationand Science Team (CVST) to be established by JAXA, therefore that sufficient results may beobtained during the initial Cal/Val phase scheduled within the first six months after the launch.
Proposals that plan to share the information of your calibration equipment, ground sites,
products, or analysis tools will be preferentially accepted.
Expected research themes are as follows: Methods of calibration, validation, and accuracy improvement for standard
products
 Assessing accuracy and applicability of standard products from the initial Cal/Val
phase to the beginning of the operational phase Development and sharing of high-level products and analysis tools for
fundamental applications
 Experiment and demonstration using new features of ALOS-4 such as ionosphericcorrection mode, extended swath width, and frequent time-series data.
 Research and assessment on cross-calibration between ALOS-2 and ALOS-4
 Research on new technology for future missions(2) Notes on application for ALOS-4 RA
This research announcement of ALOS-4 will be implemented under the “non-funded
Collaborative Research Agreement”.
The approved research themes will be accessible to relevant ALOS-2 data (limited amount)before ALOS-4 launch. After ALOS-4 is launched and the initial Cal/Val phase starts,
36

uncalibrated standard products will be available for calibration and assessment. In order toacquire essential data such as calibration sites, accepted researchers may submit observation
requests under discussions with JAXA. Technical information on ALOS-4 and its products
will be provided in advance of its launch.
Please note that the research plan may have to be changed according to the satellite
development schedule.

372.1.7 Multi-footprint Observation Lidar and Imager (MOLI)MOLI stands for Multi-footprint Observation Lidar and Imager which observes forests. MOLI
will be installed in the Exposed Facility (EF) of the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM; also
known as “Kibo”) on the International Space Station (ISS). The launch target of MOLI isaround 2021. The operation period of MOLI is basically one year and extended one-year
operation is planned, therefore 2 years operation is planned in total. MOLI can observe highly
precise forest parameters i.e. canopy heights and Above Ground Biomass (AGB) at the laser
footprint from 51N to 51S, which depends on the ISS orbit. AGB is used as a measurement
unit to understand a carbon stock of the forests because it is the dry weight of the tree above
ground and approximately a half weight of it is carbon. The canopy heights are also used formany studies because these are comparatively easy to observe and well known that there isstrong correlation with canopy heights and AGB. MOLI will provide accurate observation dataof forest biomass in semi-global scale, and its objectives are to reduce the uncertainty of forest
carbon budget in the global carbon cycle process study, and to contribute as a monitoring tool
for the “Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation+” (REDD+) scheme
in developing countries, which is one of measures against the climate change.
MOLI has two features, and the first is that it will set multi-footprints for improving the
precision of canopy height and the second is that it has a multi band imager. LiDAR, the main
sensor, emits two laser beams with 43 m intervals. The pulse repetitions frequency is 150 Hz,
therefore the intervals of next footprint is about 50 m. Each footprint has 50 m distance withthe adjacent footprint. The ground inclination angle can be estimated comparing elevation
value at each footprint observed by MOLI. As estimation of the canopy height or AGB fromspaceborne LiDAR waveform, a pulse broadening affects by ground slope significantly. We
will correct this effect using estimated ground inclination angle. This function can be expected
to contribute to the improvement of the estimation accuracy of the canopy height and AGB.
In addition, MOLI has imager and can observe ground around the laser footprint at the sametime as LiDAR observation. It has a makes us possible to understand forest conditions aroundthe footprint. For more information on MOLI, please refer to Appendix 7.
(1) Algorithm development for MOLI standard productsThis category seeks research proposals contributing to algorithm development for MOLI
standard products, especially on the following themes.
- Development of cloud discrimination algorithm (L2)This theme is a research to develop an algorithm to determine the presence or absenceof cloud influence for each footprint using MOLI LiDAR and imager data.
- Development of ground elevation and slope angle estimation algorithms (L2)This theme is a research to develop algorithms to estimate ground elevation fromMOLI LiDAR waveform data analysis, and to estimate slope angle from theneighboring footprints' elevation data analysis.
- Development of canopy height and AGB biomass estimation algorithms (L2)This theme is a research to develop algorithms to estimate canopy height and AGB
using MOLI LiDAR waveform data. JAXA can provide (i) waveform simulator
capable of generating waveform data, which simulates MOLI waveform from38

airborne LiDAR point cloud data, (ii) airborne large-footprint LiDAR data acquiredin November 2016 at five areas in central Japan (Muroto, Ise-Shima, Gero, IzuShimoda, Mie-gun), which simulate MOLI observation. In this research we assume
the following procedure: (i) developing algorithms to estimate canopy height and
AGB from airborne LiDAR point cloud data, (ii) using the estimated values as
training and validation data to develop algorithms to estimate canopy height and
AGB from MOLI-simulated waveform data (e.g., generated by the above-mentioned
MOLI's waveform-simulator, acquired by the airborne large-footprint LiDAR
observation, and acquired by other spaceborne LiDAR). In addition, this theme
contains other researches: (i) developing a methodology to adjust the estimation
parameters for each forest type which will be necessary for applying on the global
scale, (ii) collecting airborne LiDAR point cloud data which will be necessary as areference data for Cal/Val. Furthermore, this theme also contains an algorithm
development to estimate canopy height and AGB using not only the MOLI LiDAR
data but also the MOLI imager data simultaneously to improve the estimation
accuracy.
(2) Algorithm development of MOLI research productsThis category seeks research proposals contributing to algorithm development for MOLI
research products, especially on the following themes.
- Development of canopy height and AGB maps using MOLI image (L3)The MOLI imager will acquire image with an observation swath of 1,000 m, a spatial
resolution of 5 m, and 3 bands (green, red, and near infrared), simultaneously with
LiDAR observation. This theme is a research to develop algorithms of mapping
canopy height and AGB using the MOLI imager data and the L2 products (estimatedvalues from LiDAR waveform data).
- Development of canopy height and AGB maps using other satellite image (L4)This theme is a research to develop algorithms of mapping canopy height and AGB
using the L2 products (estimated values from LiDAR waveform data) and othersatellite image i.e. ALOS-2/PALSAR-2, ALOS-4/PALSAR-3, and GCOM-C/SGLI.
(3) Notes about the MOLI research proposals
On this Research Announcement, proposals will be implemented under the “Commissioned
Research Agreement (Funded)” or the “Collaborative Research Agreement (Funded/Nonfunded)”. However, Funded agreement is planned to be started from the next fiscal year whenbudget demands and the development of MOLI are accepted. Currently, we plan to start
Funded Agreement from Japanese Fiscal Year 2020, however there are possibilities to change
depending on the progress of the MOLI project. In the meantime, please be aware that research
will be basically implemented without funding.

39

2.1.8 Earth Clouds, Aerosols, and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE)
2.1.8.1 JAXA’s Targets of EarthCARE and Mission Success Criteria
The objectives of the Earth Cloud, Aerosol and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE) mission areto evaluate the radiative forcing of clouds and aerosols, which are great uncertainties in climatechange prediction, and to observe the interactions between clouds and aerosols. JAXA
EarthCARE satellite which will be launched on JFY2021 defines the success criteria as
outputs that clarify the baselines of mission accomplishment (see Table 2.1.8-1). In addition,
EarthCARE defines the list of the products and their accuracy criteria (Table 2.1.8-2). ThisRA invites validation research to confirm these targets through collaboration with JAXA.
Detailed technical descriptions for research topics will be described in the next sub-chapter.
Table 2.1.8-1. JAXA EarthCARE/CPR Project Success Criteria

40

Table 2.1.8-2. JAXA EarthCARE/CPR Product List
Standard L1b, L2a and L2b Products

41

Table 2.1.8-2. JAXA EarthCARE/CPR Product List (Cont.)
Research L2a&L2b Products* in the table : includes with and without Doppler

2.1.8.2 Role of PI and the RA Policy
For this RA, JAXA will fund about 5 research proposals in relation to the validation. The
PIs of the selected 5 research topics will belong to the Japanese EarthCARE science team, andwill conduct validation activities in collaboration with JAXA Earth Observation ResearchCenter (EORC). Those selected PIs are expected to join in the meetings organized by JAXA
and the corresponding research groups, as well as to attend and make an accomplishment
briefing at the workshops held approximately once a year.
Although it is still dependent on the budget status, JAXA is planning to distribute up to42

approximately 7,000,000 yen per a year, which is the total for all research proposals during
the 3-year RA period. As long as they are nonprofit and peaceful organizations, all categories
of both domestic and foreign organization may apply to this RA, but funding may differ foreach research category and applicant. According to the contribution toward the JAXA
mission, JAXA will select funded and non-funded PIs, and will distribute the budget after
confirming of the appropriateness of the expenses. JAXA funding is basically restricted todomestic PIs. The selection of the proposals will be conducted through a peer-review processthat includes discussions in science/project evaluation boards.

2.1.8.3 Purposes of RA
By recruiting new knowledge and techniques, this RA intends to invite researchers who canefficiently carry out validation activities. The researchers selected in this RA will work incollaboration with JAXA/EORC/EarthCARE group. The selected PIs will belong to thevalidation team in the Japanese EarthCARE science team.
During the proposal submission, please identify in the proposal, which EarthCARE products
the proposed research intends to validate. See Table 2 for the EarthCARE Product List andits accuracy criteria.

2.1.8.4 Research Areas
JAXA seeks proposals for the validation. This RA covers a 3-year research period from JFY
2019 to JFY 2021. Since this RA period will include the launch of EarthCARE, JAXA
invites proposals that directly contribute to the validation study of EarthCARE Standard andResearch Products. Those researches proposals that are expected to conduct validation
efficiently by collaborating with other research plans are also taken into account.
At the end of JFY2019, the validation implementation plan must be submitted. At the end of
September 2020, the validation results of JAXA EarthCARE Research A-Train Product mustbe submitted. For the JAXA EarthCARE Research A-Train Product, please see a homepage(https://www.eorc.jaxa.jp/EARTHCARE/research_product/ecare_monitor_e.html).
At the end of the last year, the initial validation results of the products must be submitted when
the satellite is launched as scheduled. Some validation plans may be conducted considering
the collaboration with the ESA. This will be discussed during this RA period and reflected to
the validation implementation plan.
The EarthCARE mission, through calibration and validation activities, aspires to distributeproducts whose quality and reliability are assured. Therefore, the validation plans should behighly feasible (i.e., reliable observation instruments and valid data being available, good cost
performance being maintained, etc.).
On any of the themes listed below, research applicants are required to directly contribute to
the validation of the EarthCARE products by collaborating with JAXA:(i)

Utilization of the existing observation network
The methods to validate EarthCARE products by using long-term/broad coverage data43

are invited. By using data from observation sites and networks with instruments suchas radars, lidars, sky cameras, sky radiometers, sunphotometers, pyranometers, infrared
radiometer, wind profiler, and microwave radiometers, JAXA calls for validation
research proposals that quantitatively evaluate the product accuracies, as well as theeffect of inhomogeneity in observation variables and errors induced from satellite
sampling on the validation. Furthermore, marine observations by research vessels arealso one of the possibilities.
(ii)

Campaign observation
After the launch, JAXA is planning to conduct campaign observations that aim tocompare the satellite products in various ways and call for research proposals that
contribute to this activity. Currently, the Headquarters (HQ) of The National Instituteof Information and Communications Technology (NICT) (4-2-1, Nukui-Kitamachi,
Koganei, Tokyo 184-8795, Japan) is assumed to be a site for this, and instruments
such as radars, lidars, sky cameras, wind profiler, and microwave radiometers will be
collocated in the NICT HQ.

(iii)

Cross comparison with other satellite data
Research proposals on validation by cross comparison of the EarthCARE sensors withother satellite sensors are invited. For example, the products from CPR onboard
CloudSat satellite, CALIOP onboard CALIPSO satellite, VIIRS/CERES onboard
Suomi NPP satellite, MODIS/CERES onboard Terra/Aqua satellite, AMSR2 onboard
GCOM-W, SGLI onboard GCOM-C, and Geostationary satellites such as Himawari8/9 are assumed for this cross comparison.

(iv)

Other validation observation, data acquisition
Research proposals that are not listed above in (i) to (iii), such as other validation
activities and acquisition and maintenance of observation data, are also welcome. The
topic must directly contribute to the EarthCARE validation.

44

2.1.9 AMSR2 follow-on mission (AMSR3)
AMSR3 has been proposed as follow-on mission of AMSR2 instrument on board the
GCOM-W satellite, and in Pre-Project Phase (or Phase A), as of October 2018. AMSR3
is successor of the AMSR series, including AMSR, AMSR-E and AMSR2, and willcontinue high-spatial resolution with large real aperture antenna of 2.0 m diameter,
passive microwave observation with multi-frequency and multi-polarization of 6.9-89
GHz, and early afternoon orbit. Furthermore, additional high-frequency channels of 166
and 183 GHz enables solid precipitation retrievals and improvement of water vapor
analysis in numerical weather prediction system. Figure 2.1.9-1 is mission objectives of
AMSR3.
JAXA seeks proposals on development of AMSR3 standard algorithms shown in Table 2.1.91. Selected PIs and JAXA will work together in evaluating, implementing, and validating thealgorithms, as well as revision of the algorithm theoretical basis document (ATBD) andvalidation plans. To meet the AMSR3 objectives, retrieval algorithms will require global
applicability, robustness, and long-term stability. Algorithms that can be extended and applied
to similar microwave radiometers including the AMSR series and historical data records are
preferable for integrated retrieval. Computationally efficient, fast-processing algorithms areimportant for the operational applications of the products.
The “data release” accuracy denotes the minimum accuracy for the data release and the“standard” accuracy is defined as the valuable and standard accuracy. AMSR3 minimum
success under success criteria is defined as “all standard products are released one year after
the launch with satisfying data release accuracy,” and AMSR3 full success is defined as “allstandard products achieve standard accuracy three years after the launch.”
As described in Chapter 5, the research themes in this category will be implemented under the“Collaborative Research Agreement (Funded/Non-funded),” in principle. Depending on its
budget status, JAXA plans to spend about 5 million yen for the first year (JFY2019) for totalof the AMSR3 project researches, and about 10 million yen per year for the second and thirdyear (JFY2020-2021).

45

Figure 2.1.9-1 Mission Objectives of AMSR3

46

Table 2.1.9-1 List of AMSR3 Standard Products (as of October 2018)
Area

Resolution*1

Range

ReleaseAccuracyStandard
Accuracy

Brightness
Temperature(6-89GHz）

Global5-50 km

2.7-340 K±1.5 K±0.3 K

High-frequency
Brightness
Temperature(166,183GHz)

Global10 km

2.7-340 K±1.5 K±1.0 K(TBD)

N

High-resolution
Brightness
Temperature(6-10GHz)

Global20km(10GHz)30km(6GHz)

2.7-340 K±1.5 K±0.4 KI

Integrated
Water Vapor

Global
Ocean

15 km

0-70 kg/m2

3.5 kg/m2

3.0 kg/m2

RMSE VS. GPS and/or
radiosondeN

Integrated
Water Vapor
over Land

Global
Land*

15 km

0-70 kg/m2

6.5 kg/m2

3.5 kg/m2(TBD)

RMSE VS. GPS and/or
radiosonde*sparse vegetation area

Integrated
Cloud Liquid
Water

Global
Ocean

15 km

0-1.0 kg/m2

0.10 kg/m2

0.05 kg/m2

RMSE VS. optical imager

LiquidPrecipitation(Rainfall)

Global15 km

0-20 mm/h

Relative error VS.
Ocean 50 % Ocean 50 % GPM/DPR and/orLand 120 % Land 120 % ground-based radar with
0.5 degree grid average

Flag Product

N

U

N

U

N

0-4mm/h
(TBD)

Ocean
80%*
Land
150%*

-2 -35 ℃

0.8 ℃

Ocean
80%*
Land
150%*
(TBD)

Note
Global average ofdifferences between
Ascending anddescending orbits after
removing biases fromAMSR2 or brightness
temperature simulated
from numericalprediction model overocean and clear sky
condition.

Relative error VS.
GPM/DPR and/or
ground-based radar with
0.5 degree grid average.
* Evaluated as monthly
accumulation more than
1mm/month

Solid
Precipitation(Snowfall)

GlobalSea Surface
Temperature

GlobalOcean

High-resolution
Sea Surface
Temperature

GlobalOcean

20 km*-2 -35 ℃

0.8 ℃

0.8 ℃
(TBD)

RMSE VS. buoy
* Input is high-resolution
brightness temperature

Sea Surface
Wind Speed

Global
Ocean

15 km

0-30 m/s

1.5 m/s

1.0 m/s

RMSE VS. buoy

All-weather Sea Global
Surface
WindyWind Speed
Ocean

50 km

0-70 m/s

7 m/s

5 m/s

RMSE VS. dropsonde(wind speed higher than
15 m/s)Sea Ice
Concentration

Polar
Ocean

15 km

0-100 %

10 %

10 %

RMSE VS. optical imager

High-resolution
Sea Ice
Concentration

Polar
Ocean

5 km

0-100 %

15 %

15 %
(TBD)

RMSE VS. optical imager

Soil Moisture

GlobalLand

50 km

0-40 %10 %5%

MAE VS. in-situ
observation

Snow Depth

GlobalLand

30 km

0-100 cm

20 cm

20 cm

MAE VS. in-situ
observation

10 km

50 km
(6GHz)
30 km(6+7+10GHz)

0.5 ℃
RMSE VS. buoy
0.6 ℃

*1 Resolution depends on orbit altitude that will be defined. At present, the GCOM-W orbit (altitude 699km) is set
tentatively.
N: Newly defined products in AMSR3, U: Upgraded to standard products in AMSR3 (release as research product in
AMSR2), I: Improved accuracy compared to AMSR2

47

3.

Instructions for responding to this EO-RA2

3.1. Qualifications
If the proposal is for peaceful purposes and has non-commercial objectives, researchers fromall categories, except students, of domestic and foreign organizations, including educational
institutions, government offices, public companies, private enterprises, and other groups canapply for this EO-RA2.
3.2.

Research agreement conclusion

After the proposals are selected, a research agreement should be made between JAXA and theorganization to which the Principal Investigator (PI) belongs, using associated terms andconditions to be prepared by JAXA. In principle, the associated terms and conditions ofresearch agreements attached in APPENDIX C will be used. However, JAXA may coordinate
with a PI to use a standard contract document depending on the contents of the proposal andits research phase.
All applicants should read Chapter 5 carefully, which describes detailed information oncontract matters and the associated terms and conditions of the research agreement in
APPENDIX C.
3.3. Research period
The maximum research duration of this EO-RA2 will be 3 years from JFY 2019. However,the progress will be evaluated based on the interim report submitted by the PI at the end ofeach JFY, in order to verify and decide whether the research is to be continued the following
year.
3.4. Resources(1) Funding
JAXA will reserve funds to support selected proposals. Funding may differ for eachresearch category and applicant. The basic policy for funding is as follows:A) Based on the purpose of this EO-RA2, funding will be partially available for
proposals applies to the research on GCOM-W (Algorithm development, Cal/Val,
Application), GCOM-C (Algorithm development, Cal/Val, Application), GPM(Algorithm development, Cal/Val, Application), MOLI (Algorithm development,
Cal/Val), EarthCARE (Cal/Val) and AMSR3 (Algorithm development), within
JAXA’s budget limitation. Proposals submitted to other areas may be funded if they
provide a substantial contribution to each satellite mission.
B) JAXA funding is basically restricted to domestic PIs, although some exceptional
decisions may be made for research of foreign PIs that is necessary to the success ofeach satellite mission.
C) If funding is not available for an applicant, the applicant may be selected as a nonfunded PI upon consultation with JAXA.
48

(2) Earth observation satellite data, etc.
Earth observation satellite data and meteorological data necessary for conducting researchand owned by JAXA will be provided free of charge within the authorization and thelimitations of distribution capability of JAXA. Available data are listed in Appendix B.
If the provisions of the ALOS and ALOS-2 standard products are necessary for conducting
the proposing research, refer to the descriptions in the “2.1.4 Advanced Land Observing
Satellite-2 (ALOS-2)” for the policy.
Those who receive Earth observation satellite data shall comply with terms and conditions
described in the chapter titled “Providing of Earth Observation Satellite Data by JAXA”
in the research agreement.
3.5. Obligations
PIs have different obligations depending on their funding status.
(1) Funded PIs shall submit to JAXA the yearly progress report on the results at the endof each JFY and the final report at the end of the entire research period. Furthermore,
funded PIs are required to participate in the workshop organized by JAXA once a year
and present the status report. PIs must cover necessary travel expenses to participate
in the workshop within the funds provided in this EO-RA2.
(2) Non-funded PIs shall also submit the yearly progress report and the final report.
However, such reports can be substituted with papers published during the term.
Participation in the workshop is highly recommended. Support of travel expenses toattend the workshop may be considered by JAXA on a case-by-case basis dependingon the research content, results, and its progress.
3.6. Selection
Selection of proposals will be based on a peer-review process and discussions inscience/project evaluation boards. JAXA selection officials make the final decisions. The
principal elements considered in evaluating a proposal are its relevance to the objectives,
intrinsic merit, and cost. Evaluation of its intrinsic merit includes consideration of thefollowing equally important factors:(1) Overall scientific, technical and societal merits of the proposal or unique and innovative
methods, approaches, or concepts demonstrated by the proposal(2) Proposer’s capabilities, related experience, facilities, techniques, or unique combinationsof these that are integral factors for achieving the proposal objectives(3) Qualifications, capabilities, and experience of the proposed PI and Co-Investigator (CI)
(4) Overall standing among similar proposals and/or evaluation against the state-of-the-art

493.7. Late proposals
Proposals or modifications received after the due date specified in this EO-RA2 may beconsidered if the selecting official deems them to offer JAXA a significant scientific and/or
technical advantage or cost reduction.
3.8. Withdrawal of proposal
Proposals may be withdrawn by the applicant at any time. To withdraw a proposal, theapplicant should notify JAXA immediately. If the withdrawal is after the agreement
conclusion, it is necessary to follow the procedures described in the agreement.
3.9. Cancellation and postponement
JAXA reserves the right to cancel or postpone this EO-RA2 for reasons of JAXA’s own. In
addition, JAXA assumes no liability for canceling this EO-RA2 or for postponing this EORA2 schedule.
3.10. Important dates for selection of proposals
October 17, 2018

2nd Earth Observation Research Announcement Issued

November 30, 2018

Proposal Due Date

Mid. March 2019 (planned)

Notification of Selection Results

April or later 2019 (after conclusion of Research Agreement) Start of Selected Research
3.11. Proposal submission and contact point
Please access to the following web site for the research proposals submission.
Please use the format A and B for the research proposal information in the MS-Word
document format (Proposal_Form_E&J.docx). The information is also required to fill in theforms on the web site.
The filled sheets of the proposal cover, schedule, budget summary and data requirements, andthe research proposal with complete sets of attachments, such as reprints of papers, should be
converted to PDF (Portable Document Format) and uploaded through the following website.
In case of any problems upon upload, such an applicant can send the above complete set via
E-mail to the Earth Observation RA Office. The maximum file size acceptable by E-mail is
10 MB.
Proposal Submission Web Site:
http://eo-ra.jp/2nd_eo_ra_entry_step1_e.html* Note that proposal submission web site is located outside of JAXA.

50

Proposal Submission by E-mail:
Earth Observation RA Office E-mail address: Z-EO_RA@ml.jaxa.jp
For any inquiries, please contact the following RA Office:Earth Observation RA Office
Earth Observation Research Center (EORC)
Tsukuba Space Center
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8505, JapanFax:+81-29-868-2961
E-mail address: Z-EO_RA@ml.jaxa.jp

51

4. Instructions for proposal contents
4.1. General(1) Proposals received in response to this EO-RA2 will be used only for evaluation
purposes.
(2) The following types of proposals are not acceptable:A) Proposals that include restrictions from other institutions or have the potential toinfringe on third-party rights.
B) Proposals that are restricted when distributed or published.
C) Proposals that are already accepted by the past Research Announcements for the
Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) and the Advanced Land Observing
Satellite-2 (ALOS-2). .
(3) Proposals will not be returned to applicants.
4.2. Format(1) It is highly recommended that applicants make the filled proposal forms, the research
proposal descriptions and complete sets of all attachments, such as reprints of papers,
in PDF for the submission.
(2) Instructions for making the cover sheets, research schedule, budget summary and datarequirements can be found in Section 4.3, APPENDIX A and APPENDIX B. Only thefollowing formatting is mandatory in other parts of the proposal:
A) The page or paper size should be A4 or letter size.
B) The page number must appear at bottom center of each page, and the name of theapplicant must appear in the upper right corner.
C) Proposals should be word-processed (MS Word) documents in either English or
Japanese, with a font size no smaller than 12 points.
(3) Proposals should be brief and to the point, concentrating on substantive material. The
main body of the proposal (content described in Section 4.3 (3) Description of
proposal) should not exceed 20 pages. Necessary detailed information, such as
reprints, should be included as attachments. A complete set of attachments must
accompany each copy of a proposal when submitting via postal mail.
4.3. Proposal contents(1) Cover sheet
A) Research title
State your research title precisely and clearly. The title should be brief, reflecting
an especially valid project intelligible to a science-literate reader and suitable foruse in the public process.
B) Research category
Choose one relevant category to which the proposal belongs. Even if more than
one category is relevant, choose the most relevant one.
C) Information of applicants52

- Identifying information of the Principal Investigator (PI)State the name, job title, organization, address, E-mail address, and telephone
and facsimile numbers of the PI.
- Identifying information of the Co-Investigator (CI)State the name, organization, telephone number, and E-mail address of each
Co-Investigator (CI).
One research team should consist of only one PI, or one PI and several CIs.
D) Budget
If the proposal is submitted as a Funded case, provide a budget broken down by
year and the total amount in Japanese yen. If the organization of PI needs a certain
amount of the overhead, such amount must be identified and added to the direct
cost total amount. Otherwise, JAXA will not consider the overhead as necessary.
E) Abstract
Include a concise abstract with less than 500 words in English (or 1,500
characters in Japanese) describing the objective, significance, method of
approach, and anticipated results.
F) Endorsement
Provide a signature of a responsible official or authorized representative of the
proposing organization for the Research Agreement conclusion.
(2) Description of research proposal
This is the main body of the proposal and should not exceed 20 pages. This main bodyshall be a detailed statement of the work to be undertaken, including its objectives andsignificance, relation to the present state of knowledge, and relation to previous work
done on the project and to related work in progress elsewhere. The statement should
outline the plan of work, including the broad design of experiments to be undertaken
and a description of experiment methods and procedures. The project description
should address the evaluation factors in these instructions and any specific factors in
the EO-RA2. Any substantial collaboration with individuals not referred to in thebudget or use of consultants should be described. Subcontracting significant portionsof a research project is discouraged.
Items (4) and (5) below also should be described in this document.
(3) Work plan (Research schedule)
The research schedule with major milestones and periods of the main and the ramified
research activities should be outlined in the form as indicated in APPENDIX A.
(4) Management approach
For large or complex efforts involving interactions among numerous research
individuals or other organizations, practical plans for distribution of responsibilities
and arrangements for ensuring a coordinated effort should be described.
(5) PersonnelA) Biographical information, experience, papers in related fields
A short biographical sketch, a list of publications, experiences related to this EORA2, and professional qualifications of the PI should be included. Also provide
similar biographical information on each CI.
B) Role of CI
53

The PI is responsible for supervising the work and the CIs in the research. Stateeach CI’s role in the proposed research.
(6) Resource requirements (for Funded cases only)
Resource requirements should be described in the form as indicated in APPENDIX B(Budget Summary). Information regarding required resources will be considered andevaluated within the selection process.
If the organization of PI needs a certain amount of the overhead, such ratio and amountmust be identified. Otherwise, JAXA will not consider the overhead as necessary.
After the selection and decision on the total amount of funding for each PI, JAXA will
send detailed forms for resource requirements to the selected PIs for the final
adjustment of funding.
Also, after starting of the selected research, and before the beginning of eachsubsequent fiscal year, JAXA will send the same forms for resource requirements
again, in order to adjust the total budget of each fiscal year.
(7) Data requirements
Instructions for the data requirements by the proposed research are also included in
APPENDIX B.

54

5.

Description of research agreement

5.1. Contractual procedure(1) After selecting the proposal and the PI, JAXA will send the PI guidelines and an
application form for making an agreement. Please note that JAXA will make anagreement with the organization to which the PI belongs (“the Organization”), not to
the PI or CI.
(2) A research agreement will be made using associated terms and conditions, such as
those in APPENDIX C. The Organization should submit the application form with thenecessary documents according to the guidelines by the submission due date.
Submission of the application form will be regarded as definite intention of making
an agreement with JAXA in accordance with the terms and conditions as stipulated in
APPENDIX C, and the agreement will be effective upon issuance of the confirmation
sheet by JAXA.
(3) If JAXA determines that extension of a research project is qualified by the annual
report at the end of the Japanese Fiscal Year, the research agreement will be extended
for 1 year, and up to March 31, 2022. Funded organizations should submit thecontinuing agreement application form to JAXA at the beginning of every JFY.
(4) Organizations shall comply with the terms and conditions defined in the research
agreement.
(5) JAXA may coordinate to make an agreement with the Organization using JAXA’sstandard contract document if JAXA thinks it appropriate in consideration of theresearch content and phase.
5.2. Research agreement summary
There are two types of research agreements based on the applicable category of research:a Commissioned Research Agreement and a Collaborative Research Agreement. There
are also two types of Collaborative Research Agreement: funded by JAXA and not funded.
(1) Commissioned Research Agreement (Funded)• In principle, the Commissioned Research Agreement will be applied to research in the“Algorithm Development” and a part of “Calibration and Validation” category. The
Organization shall conduct the research according to the Statement of Work provided
by JAXA;• JAXA will provide the necessary funds and Earth observation satellite data to theOrganization to conduct the research as described in the Statement of Work;• JAXA will own the research results required to be delivered by the Statement of Work
(Deliverable Research Results);• JAXA will retain royalty-free rights to use research results other than the Deliverable
55

Research Results only for its own research and development purposes;• In the event JAXA provides prior written consent, the Organization may use theDeliverable Research Results for its own research and development purposes;• If the Agreement is terminated, the Organization will refund to JAXA any unexpended
research funds that have already been paid by JAXA; and• JAXA will adjust the amount of the research funds based on a fiscal financial statement
at the end of a year-on-year contract.
(2) Collaborative Research Agreement (Funded/Non-funded)• In principle, the Collaborative Research Agreement will be applied to research in
categories of “Calibration and Validation” and “Application”;• JAXA will provide the necessary funds (for funded cases) and Earth observation
satellite data to the Organization to conduct the research;• In principle, the research results will be jointly owned by the parties; and• JAXA will retain the right to use all results including results belonging to theOrganization (if any), and the Organization will retain the right to use jointly-owned
research results only for its own research and development purposes, without priorconsent by the other party.
The difference between a funded agreement and non-funded agreement:A) Collaborative Research Agreement (Funded)
・ JAXA provides part of the research funds and the Earth observation satellite
data. JAXA adjusts the amount of the research funds based on a fiscal
financial statement at the end of a year-on-year contract;
・ The Organization shall submit yearly interim reports and the final report to
JAXA, and shall participate in the workshops to report research progress; and・ If this agreement is canceled or terminated, the Organization shall refund to
JAXA any unexpended funds that have already been paid by JAXA.
B) Collaborative Research Agreement (Non-funded)

・ JAXA provides the Earth observation satellite data. The Organization
shall submit yearly interim reports and the final report to JAXA. However,such reports can be substituted with papers published during the research
term; and・ Participation in the workshops is highly recommended.
(3) Publication of results (both for Funded and Non-funded)
A PI who wishes to release his or her research results derived from these research
activities to a third party shall・ Provide JAXA with a copy of the publication before release and obtain JAXA’sconsent;
・ State in the publication that the results are obtained in this RA research and identify
the owner of the rights to the Earth Observation Satellite Data and Meteorological Data
56

used in such publication; and・ Grant JAXA an irrevocable and royalty-free right to use the provided publications,
unless an academic society responsible for its publication requires the PI to transfer
the copyright to it.

57