Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake− Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites −Report on JAXA’s Response to theGreat East Japan Earthquake– Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites –






Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

March 2012
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －Contents1.

Preface...........................................................................................................................................12.

JAXA activities .............................................................................................................................2
2.1

Activities involving earth observation satellites......................................................................2

2.1.1 Satellite image utilization in disaster management ...........................................................2
2.1.2 Details of emergency observations by Daichi ...................................................................5
2.1.3 Image analysis by JAXA ...................................................................................................7
2.1.4 Cooperation with from overseas institutions ...................................................................22
2.1.5 Product provision and utilization by users for disaster management ..............................35
2.1.6 Aerial SAR observation...................................................................................................48
2.1.7 Field survey results..........................................................................................................50
2.1.8 Summary .........................................................................................................................56
2.2

Communications satellite-based activities ............................................................................58

2.2.1 KIZUNA (WINDS) .........................................................................................................58
2.2.2 KIKU No. 8 (ETS-VIII) ..................................................................................................67
2.2.3 Summary .........................................................................................................................79
3.

JAXA activities as viewed by other institutions..........................................................................85
3.1

JAXA-related media coverage ..............................................................................................85

3.2

Usage of JAXA satellite by other institutions .......................................................................86

3.2.1 Earth observation satellite-based activities......................................................................86
3.2.2 Communication satellite-based activities ........................................................................91
4.

Challenges and future tasks.........................................................................................................92
4.1

Challenges .............................................................................................................................92

4.1.1 Challenges concerning satellite image provision ............................................................92
4.1.2 Challenges concerning support for disaster areas based on communicationline provision ..................................................................................................................93
4.1.3 Challenges concerning the dispatch of information ........................................................94
4.2

Future tasks ...........................................................................................................................95

4.2.1 Basic idea behind the provision of support for disaster areas .........................................95
4.2.2 Improvements to be made for satellite image provision..................................................95
4.2.3 Improvements to be made in the provision of communication lines...............................97
4.2.4 Improvements to be made concerning information dispatch...........................................99
4.2.5 Development of disaster response manuals.....................................................................99
5.

Summary ...................................................................................................................................100iReport on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －1. Preface
A 9.0-magnitude earthquake － the strongest ever to strike Japan － occurred in the Pacific Ocean near
the Tohoku region of the country at 14:46 JST on March 11, 2011.1 The epicenter was off the Tohoku coast(38.32°N, 142.37°E) 2, and the hypocenter was 32 km below the earth’s surface. The quake was considered
to have a long-angle reverse fault mechanism with a pressure axis extending from west-northwest to
east-southeast, and occurred between the Pacific plate and the North American plate. After the tremor, amassive tsunami struck coastal areas from Tohoku to Kanto, with an 11.8-meter-high wave 3 causingwidespread damage to the coastal district of Ofunato in Iwate Prefecture. The earthquake was the fourthlargest on record in the world, and caused massive destruction along the Tohoku-Kanto Pacific coast. The
disaster was named the Tohoku Region Pacific Ocean Coastal Earthquake, and later became known as theGreat East Japan Earthquake － a collective term whose meaning also includes the subsequent tsunami andthe accident at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station.
A total of 15,783 people were killed, 4,086 were left missing and 5,932 were injured.4 In terms of major
material effects, many houses were washed away or flooded, and there was widespread damage to roads inaffected areas. More than 115,000 houses were completely destroyed and over 795,000 sustained significant
damage.4 Frequent aftershocks were felt since March 12, as of September 12, more than 550 of which weremagnitude 5 or over, and five were magnitude 7 or over (three on the day of the main quake).

Figure 1-1: The Tohoku Region Pacific Ocean Coastal Earthquake and aftershocks(Japan Meteorological Agency/the Great East Japan Earthquake － the Tohoku Region Pacific Ocean Coastal
Earthquake － related portal site: http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/en/2011_Earthquake.html)
This report details various activities conducted by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
involving earth observation satellites and communication satellites in collaboration with domestic andoverseas institutions in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
The names of the organizations and departments included here are those applicable at the time theactivities were carried out. This report is also provided on the website of JAXA’s Satellite Applications andPromotion Center at http://www.sapc.jaxa.jp/antidisaster/index.html.
1

The magnitude of the quake was originally announced as 7.9, but this was revised to 9.0 on March 13.
Intensity and epicenter information based on data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS)
3
Based on data from the Japan Meteorological Agency
4
Based on data from the Metropolitan Police Department as of Sept. 12, 201121

2. JAXA activities
2.1 Activities involving earth observation satellites
2.1.1

Satellite image utilization in disaster management

JAXA established the Disaster Management Support Systems Office (in the Satellite Applications andPromotion Center) to support disaster countermeasure activities involving the Advanced Land Observing
Satellite “Daichi” as well as observation data acquired by overseas satellites. JAXA also plans the utilizationof Daichi and related developments based on experience of operating the satellite.
Domestically, JAXA strives to highlight the role of earth observation satellites in disaster prevention in
conjunction with related institutions, including national government ministries, agencies and local
governments. Internationally, JAXA is a member of the International Charter, Space and Major Disaster(Disaster Charter), which provides satellite data to users in the event of large-scale disasters, play a particularroleas the secretariat of Sentinel Asia － an international collaborative project organized to observe natural
disasters in the Asia-Pacific region.
The ALOS Analysis Research Team of the Earth Observation Research Center in Tsukuba analyzes
satellite data in conjunction with the Disaster Management Support Systems Office in the event of a disasterin addition to implementing earth observation data analyses at operational basis.
When the Great East Japan Earthquake struck, JAXA immediately planned emergency observations using
the Daichi, and asked the Disaster Charter and Sentinel Asia to conduct intensive emergency observation of
the affected meas occured. The huge amounts of data collected and the results of related analysis provided acomprehensive overview of the massive disaster area and the damage sustained of the massive disaster area.
The observations conducted by Daichi, the Disaster Charter and Sentinel Asia are summarized in Table
2.1-1.

2

March 16

March 15

March 14

March 13

March 12

Observation
date

Japan
（JAXA）

Overseas

FORMOSAT-2

FORMOSAT-2

FORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2

FORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2

FORMOSAT-2
WorldView-2

AVNIR-2
PALSARAVNIR-2

AVNIR-2Japan（JAXA）AVNIR-2
PALSAR

RapidEye
SPOT-5
FORMOSAT-2
HJ

SPOT-5
TerraSAR-X
RapidEyeLANDSAT-5
WorldView-2
EO-1
FORMOSAT-2
THEOS
AVNIR-2
PALSAR

LANDSAT-7
SPOT-5
GeoEyeRapidEyeWorldView-1
WorldView-2
FORMOSAT-2
TerraSAR-X
IKONOS
THEOS

Ishinomaki,
Shiogama,
Higashimatsushima

FORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2
PALSAR

RapidEye
SPOT-5
FORMOSAT-2

RapidEye
SPOT-5
FORMOSAT-2
TerraSAR-X
WorldView-1

RapidEye
SPOT-5
FORMOSAT-2
WorldView-1

AVNIR-2

AVNIR-2
PALSARAVNIR-2
PALSARAVNIR-2
PALSAR

SPOT-5
RapidEyeLANDSAT-5
EO-1
FORMOSAT-2
THEOS

LANDSAT-7
SPOT-5WorldView-1
WorldView-2
FORMOSAT-2

LANDSAT-7
WorldView-2
RADARSATIKONOS

SPOT-5
RapidEyeLANDSAT-5
EO-1
FORMOSAT-2
THEOS
GeoEyeLANDSAT-7
SPOT-5
GeoEyeRapidEyeWorldView-2
FORMOSAT-2
THEOS

SPOT-5
RapidEyeLANDSAT-5
THEOS

Onagawa,
OshikaPeninsula

Minamisanriku

KamaishiOverseas

AVNIR-2

AVNIR-2

OverseasJapan（JAXA）

RapidEye
SPOT-5
FORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2
PALSAR

Overseas

LANDSAT-7
WorldView-2

Miyako

SPOT-5
RapidEyeLANDSAT-5
THEOS

Japan
（JAXA）

Overseas

JAXA/
overseassatellites
Japan（JAXA）FORMOSAT-2
WorldView-2

AVNIR-2
PALSAR

SPOT-4
FORMOSAT-2
DubaiSat-1

AVNIR-2

AVNIR-2
PALSAR
RapidEye
SPOT-5
FORMOSAT-2
KOMPSAT-2
CARTSAT-2
WorldView-2

SPOT-5
RapidEyeLANDSAT-5
EO-1
FORMOSAT-2
THEOS
WorldView-2

FORMOSAT-2
WorldView-2

AVNIR-2
PALSAR

SPOT-4
DubaiSat-1

AVNIR-2

RapidEye
SPOT-5KOMPSAT-2
WorldView-2

AVNIR-2
PALSAR

SPOT-5
RapidEyeLANDSAT-5
EO-1
THEOS
WorldView-2

PALSAR

LANDSAT-7
SPOT-5WorldView-2
IKONOS
TerraSAR-X
RADARSATTHEOSLANDSAT-7
SPOT-5WorldView-2
FORMOSAT-2
TerraSAR-X
RADARSATIKONOSTHEOSPALSARAVNIR-2
PRISM

Sendai
AirportAVNIR-2
PRISM

SendaiFORMOSAT-2
WorldView-2

AVNIR-2
PALSARFORMOSAT-2
DubaiSat-1

AVNIR-2

RapidEyeFORMOSAT-2
WorldView-2

AVNIR-2
PALSAR

SPOT-5
RapidEyeFORMOSAT-2
LANDSAT-5
EO-1
THEOS

PALSAR

LANDSAT-7
SPOT-5WorldView-2
FORMOSAT-2
TerraSAR-X
RapidEyeTerraSAR-X
THEOS

Watari,
Torinoumi

FORMOSAT-2
WorldView-2

AVNIR-2
PALSAR

SPOT-4AVNIR-2

KOMPSAT-2
FORMOSAT2WorldView-2

AVNIR-2
PALSAR

SPOT-5LANDSAT-5
EO-1
FORMOSAT-2
THEOS

PALSAR

LANDSAT-7
SPOT-5IKONOSWorldView-1
WorldView-2
TerraSAR-X
RapidEye
RADARSAT
THEOS

Soma

Table 2.1-1 Observations conducted by Daichi, the Disaster Charter and Sentinel Asia (March 12, 2011, to March 24, 2011)

FORMOSAT-2
QuickBird-1
QuickBird-2
GeoEyeWorldView-1
WorldView-2

AVNIR-2
PALSAR

DubaiSat-1

AVNIR-2

KOMPSAT-2
GeoEyeWorldView-1
WorldView-2

AVNIR-2
PALSAR

LANDSAT-5
WorldView-2
FORMOSAT-2
THEOS
Quickbird

PALSAR

LANDSAT-7
SPOT-5IKONOSWorldView-1
WorldView-2
FORMOSAT-2
TerraSAR-X
RapidEye
Quickbird

Fukushima
nuclear plant

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －3

4

March 24

March 23

March 22

March 21

March 20

March 19

March 18

March 17

Observation
dateOverseasJapan（JAXA）AVNIR-2
PRISM
FORMOSAT-2

FORMOSAT-2

Japan（JAXA）Japan（JAXA）
Overseas

AVNIR-2Japan（JAXA）
Overseas

FORMOSAT-2
ENVISATAVNIR-2
PALSARFORMOSAT-2

Overseas

Overseas

FORMOSAT-2
LANDSAT-5
ENVISATFORMOSAT-2
IKONOSLANDSAT-5
ENVISATAVNIR-2
PRISM
FORMOSAT-2

FORMOSAT-2
ENVISATFORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2

AVNIR-2
PALSARFORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2

AVNIR-2Japan（JAXA）

Resurs-DK
FORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2

FORMOSAT-2
Worldview-1

AVNIR-2Japan（JAXA）

SPOT-5
FORMOSAT-2

SPOT-5
FORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2
PALSAR

KamaishiOverseas

SPOT-5SPOT-5
FORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2
PALSAR

MiyakoOverseasJapan（JAXA）

OverseasJapan（JAXA）

JAXA/
overseassatellites

FORMOSAT-2
ENVISAT
QuickBird
AVNIR-2
PRISM
FORMOSAT-2

PALSARFORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2

FORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2

FORMOSAT-2
LANDSAT-5
ENVISATIKONOS

AVNIR-2

FORMOSAT-2
GeoEyeAVNIR-2
PALSAR

SPOT-5
FORMOSAT-2

SPOT-5
FORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2

Minamisanriku

AVNIR-2
PRISM
FORMOSAT-2

FORMOSAT-2
ENVISATFORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2

FORMOSAT-2

FORMOSAT-2
ENVISATPALSARFORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2

FORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2

FORMOSAT-2
IKONOSLANDSAT-5
Worldview-2
ENVISATFORMOSAT-2
LANDSAT-5
Worldview-2
ENVISAT
QuickBird
AVNIR-2
PALSARFORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2

FORMOSAT-2
GeoEyeWorldview-2

SPOT-5
FORMOSAT-2
EO-1
DEIMOS-1
QuickBird
AVNIR-2
PALSAR

SPOT-5
FORMOSAT-2
WorldView-2

AVNIR-2Ishinomaki,
Shiogama,
Higashimatsushima

AVNIR-2

FORMOSAT-2
GeoEyeAVNIR-2
PALSAR

SPOT-5
FORMOSAT-2

SPOT-5
FORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2

Onagawa,
OshikaPeninsula

FORMOSAT-2

FORMOSAT-2
ENVISATPALSARFORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2
PALSARFORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2

Resurs-DK
FORMOSAT-2
LANDSAT-5
Worldview-2
ENVISATAVNIR-2

SPOT-5
FORMOSAT-2
EO-1
DEIMOS-1
QuickBird
AVNIR-2
PALSARFORMOSAT-2
GeoEyeWorldview-1
Worldview-2
KOMPSAT-2

FORMOSAT-2

FORMOSAT-2
ENVISATPALSARFORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2
PALSARFORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2

Resurs-DK
FORMOSAT-2
LANDSAT-5
Worldview-2
ENVISATAVNIR-2

AVNIR-2
PALSARFORMOSAT-2
GeoEyeWorldview-1
Worldview-2
KOMPSAT-2

SPOT-5
FORMOSAT-2
DEIMOS-1
QuickBird

PALSAR

SPOT-5SPOT-4
FORMOSAT-2
TerraSAR-X
WorldView-2

SPOT-5SPOT-4
FORMOSAT-2
TerraSAR-X
WorldView-2
PALSARAVNIR-2

Sendai
AirportAVNIR-2

SendaiFORMOSAT-2

FORMOSAT-2
ENVISATPALSARFORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2
PALSARFORMOSAT-2

FORMOSAT-2

FORMOSAT-2
RADARSAT-2
ENVISATPALSARFORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2
PALSARFORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2

Resurs-DK
FORMOSAT-2
LANDSAT-5
Worldview-2
ENVISATAVNIR-2

AVNIR-2

AVNIR-2

FORMOSAT-2
GeoEyeWorldview-1
Worldview-2

FORMOSAT-2
GeoEyeWorldview-1
Worldview-2
Resurs-DK
FORMOSAT-2
LANDSAT-5
Worldview-2
IKONOS
ENVISATAVNIR-2
PALSAR

SPOT-5
FORMOSAT-2

PALSAR

SPOT-5SPOT-4
FORMOSAT-2
WorldView-2

AVNIR-2

Soma

AVNIR-2
PALSAR

SPOT-5
FORMOSAT-2
DEIMOS-1

PALSAR

SPOT-5SPOT-4
FORMOSAT-2
WorldView-2

AVNIR-2

Watari,
Torinoumi

FORMOSAT-2
Worldview-2
ENVISATAVNIR-2
PRISM
FORMOSAT-2

PALSARFORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2
PALSARFORMOSAT-2

AVNIR-2

FORMOSAT-2
LANDSAT-5
IKONOSWorldview-2
ENVISATAVNIR-2

FORMOSAT-2
GeoEyeWorldview-1
Worldview-2

AVNIR-2
PALSAR

SPOT-5
FORMOSAT-2

PALSAR

SPOT-5SPOT-4
FORMOSAT-2
WorldView-1
WorldView-2
IKONOS

AVNIR-2

Fukushima
nuclear plantReport on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －2.1.2

Details of emergency observations by Daichi

The details of emergency observations conducted by Daichi are shown in Table 2.1-2. Althoughobservations could not be conducted on the day of the disaster, on March 12 (the day after the earthquake), theTohoku inland area and the Sendai district were observed using AVNIR-2 and PRISM. On March 13,
PALSAR observed Sendai and other areas along the coast of Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures, and
AVNIR-2 observed wider areas along the Pacific coast from Tohoku to Chiba on March 14. Observations
were continued until April 20, and a total of 643 scenes were observed (see Table 2.1-3).
Daichi could not be used for observations after April 22 due to an electrical power system fault, and its
operations were halted on May 12. Its final observation in relation to the Great East Japan Earthquake wason April 20.
Table 2.1-2 Details of emergency observations by Daichi
Observation
date
March 12,2011

Descending Ascending
orbit
orbit

March 15
March 16
March 17

PRISM

0

○

AVNIR-2

0○

AVNIR-2

44

PALSAR

46.6○

AVNIR-2
PALSARAVNIR-2
PALSARAVNIR-2

-23
27.1
37
34.3
-42

○

PALSAR

43.4○

AVNIR-2
PALSAR

16
14○

PALSAR

50○

AVNIR-2
PALSARAVNIR-2
PALSARAVNIR-2
PALSARAVNIR-2

-12.8
14
42
34.3
-36.5
34.3
25

○

PALSAR

14○

PALSAR

50

○
○

PRISM
AVNIR-2

0
0○

AVNIR-2

44

PALSAR

43.4

AVNIR-2
PALSARAVNIR-2

-28.5
28.8
32.5

PALSAR

25.8

AVNIR-2

-44

○
○
○
○
○

○

March 18
March 19
March 20
March 21
March 22
March 23
March 24
March 25

○
○
○
○
○
○

○
March 26
March 27○○○○

March 28AVNIR: pointing angle
PALSAR: incidence angle○

March 13
March 14

Sensor○Observation area
Inland Tohoku (Aomori to Fukushima),
Sendai area
Inland Tohoku (Aomori to Fukushima),
Sendai area
Niigata, Nagano, Gifu
Tsugaru Peninsula from the Miyagi/Fukushimacoast through inland areas
Pacific coast (Tohoku to Chiba)
Hokkaido to the Tohoku, Kanto and Tokai regions
Pacific coast and inland from Aomori to Fukushima
Iwate coast and the Shimokita Peninsula
Pacific coast and inland from Aomori to Fukushima
Miyagi, Fukushima and Ibaraki coast from the
Shimokita Peninsula through inland Iwate
Pacific coast (Tohoku to Ibaraki)
Pacific coast (Iwate to Aomori)Tsugaru Peninsula from the Miyagi/Fukushimacoast through inland Akita
Pacific coast (Tohoku to Ibaraki)
Pacific coast (Tohoku to Ibaraki)
Pacific coast and inland from Aomori to Fukushima
Akita coast from the Ibaraki coast through inland areas
Pacific coast and inland from Aomori to Fukushima
Iwate coast
Pacific coast (Tohoku to Ibaraki)
Akita coast from the Miyagi/Fukushimacoast through inland areas
Miyagi/Fukushima coast from the Aomori
coast through inland Iwate
Pacific coast (Tohoku to Ibaraki)
Pacific coast (Tohoku to Ibaraki)
Inland Tohoku, Sea of Japan coast and areas
near Sendai
Tsugaru Peninsula from the Miyagi/Fukushimacoast through inland Akita
Pacific coast (Tohoku to Ibaraki)
Pacific coast (Tohoku to Ibaraki)
Pacific coast (Tohoku to Ibaraki)
Tsugaru Peninsula from the Miyagi/Fukushimacoast through inland Akita
Pacific coast (Tohoku to Fukushima)

5

Observation
date
March 29

Descending Ascending
orbit
orbit

Sensor

AVNIR: pointing angle
PALSAR: incidence angle

AVNIR-2

1.9

PALSAR

47.8○

AVNIR-2-25○

PALSAR

27.1○

AVNIR-2

38

PALSAR

34.3○

AVNIR-2-41○

PALSAR

41.5

April 3○AVNIR-2

14

April 5○AVNIR-2-9○

PALSAR

27.1

○
○
○
○
○
○

AVNIR-2
AVNIR-2
PALSARANVIR-2
PALSARAVNIR-2
PRISM

43
-34
34.3
28
21.5
0
1.2

○

AVNIR-2

44

○
○
○
○
○
○
○

AVNIR-2
PALSARAVNIR-2
PALSARAVNIR-2
AVNIR-2
AVNIR-2
PALSAR

-26
34.3
35.3
34.3
-44
12.5
-16
27.1

○

AVNIR-2

41

PALSAR

34.3○

March 30○

March 31
April 1○
April 2

April 6
April 7
April 8○
April 10
April 11
April 12April 13○
April 14
April 15
April 17
April 18○
April 19○

AVNIR-2-39

April 20○AVNIR-2

22.5

Observation area
Kanagawa coast from the Shimokita
Peninsula through inland Tohoku and Kanto
Tsugaru Peninsula from the Miyagi/Fukushimacoast through inland Akita
Kanagawa coast from the Shimokita
Peninsula through inland Tohoku and Kanto
Tohoku to Chubu
Pacific coast and inland areas between
Aomori and Chiba/Kanagawa
Tsugaru Peninsula from the Miyagi/Fukushimacoast through inland Akita
Pacific coast and inland areas between
Aomori and Chiba
Pacific coast (Miyagi to Chiba) from the Pacificcoast near Aomori through inland Iwate
Inland areas from Aomori toTokyo/Kanagawa
Pacific coast (Tohoku to Chiba)
Sea of Japan coast in Tohoku to the
Hokuriku and Chubu regions
Pacific coast and inland areas from Aomori to Chiba
Pacific coast (Tohoku to Chiba)
Pacific coast (Tohoku to Chiba)
Pacific coast (Tohoku to Chiba)
Ou mountains to Sendai
Pacific coast (Tohoku to Chiba)
Hokkaido to the Pacific coast (Tohoku to Chiba)
Hokkaido to the Tohoku region along the
Sea of Japan
Pacific coast (Tohoku to Chiba)
Tohoku region along the Sea of Japan
Pacific coast (Tohoku to Chiba)
Miyagi and Iwate coast
Pacific coast (Tohoku to Chiba) and inland Tohoku
Pacific coast (Tohoku to Chiba)
Pacific coast (Tohoku to Chiba)
From Tohoku to Chubu
Pacific coast (Tohoku to Ibaraki andsouthern Chiba)
Miyagi and Fukushima to Akita and the Sea
of Japan coast in Aomori
Pacific coast (Tohoku to Chiba) and inland
TohokuPacific coast (Tohoku to Chiba)

Table 2.1-3 Number of scenes observed according to sensors (March 12, 2011－April 20, 2011)
Sensor
AVNIR-2
PRISM
PALSAR
Total

OB1
OB2
FBS
FBD
WB1

Number of observation scenes
3/12-3/31
4/1-4/20
3/12-4/20
162
217
379
0
25
25
32
0
32
111
74
185
8
0
8
8
6
14
321
322
643

※Observation period: March 12 to April 20, 20116

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －2.1.3

Image analysis by JAXAJAXA conducted ongoing emergency observations using Daichi in the wake of the Great East Japan
Earthquake, releasing reporting of its analysis of eastern Japan and Hokkaido to government ministries andagencies related to disaster management, including the Cabinet Office and local municipalities. The satellite
images collected through the Disater Charter and Sentinel Asia were also analyzed for report to relevantorganizations.
The results of the image analysis conducted by JAXA immediately after and after the disaster are outlined
here. Support provided by overseas institutions is detailed in Section 2.1.4.
2.1.3.1 Overview of the damage
In view of the difficulty of under standing the extent of the damage from the ground immediately after thedisaster, satellite images collected from extensive observations were used to clarify the situation.
JAXA created satellite topographical maps using the data acquired from its emergency observations andpreviously archived data by superimposing geographical data, and analyzed the disaster areas. The image on
the left of Figure 2.1-1 shows a pre-earthquake satellite topographical map based on archived data, while
those in the center and on the right show post-earthquake equivalents created by scattering mosaic patterns on
AVNIR-2 images taken during emergency observations at around 10:25 JST on March 12 and 10:11 JST on
March 14. Figure 2.1-2 shows a disaster area overview produced by AVNIR-2 on March 14.

Pre-earthquake image compiled fromarchive data
Immediately after the earthquake(Created and published on
March 11, 2011)

Inland Tohoku area observed
by AVNIR-2
The day after the earthquake(March 12, 2011)(Created and published on
March 12, 2011)

Northeastern coastal area observed
by AVNIR-2
Three days after the earthquake(March 14, 2011)(Created and published on
March 14, 2011)

Figure 2.1-1 Pre- and post-disaster satellite topographical maps

7

Figure 2.1-2 Overview of the disaster area observed on March 14
2.1.3.2 Analysis of local damage
AVNIR-2 acquired images with minimal cloud on March 14, three days after the disaster, thereby helping
to clarify the extent of the damage in Iwate and Miyagi prefectures (the yellow-framed areas in Figure 2.1-2).
For example, Figure 2.1-3 shows images of the Omoto area of Iwaizumi Town in Iwate Prefecture enlarged
from false-color images produced from a composite of AVNIR-2 band 4, 3 and 2 images from March 14 (after
the earthquake) and March 10 (before the earthquake). The clear contrast of areas of vegetation (shown inred) and cloud (white) help to clarify the conditions on the ground. Rice and crop fields are flooded (areasof dark blue after the disaster), and landslides can be seen at the mouth of the river.

Figure 2.1-3 Flooding in the Omoto area of Iwaizumi Town in Iwate Prefecture (same 3 × 3 km area)
Left: after the earthquake (March 14, 2011); right: before the earthquake (March 10, 2011)8

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －Figure 2.1-4 shows enlarged pre- and post-disaster images of Kitaibaraki City in Ibaraki. Clear damage
to the sea wall can be seen in the area enclosed in yellow.

Figure 2.1-4 Kitaibaraki City, Ibaraki (same 3 × 3 km area)
Figure 2.1-5 shows enlarged images of Rokko Bridge in Ibaraki. It can be seen that the middle part ofthe bridge has collapsed. (Upper part: new bridge under construction)

Figure 2.1-5 Area around Rokko Bridge in Ibaraki (same 1 × 1 km area)
Figure 2.1-6 shows enlarged images of Yawata Town, Iwaki City, Fukushima. Collapsed buildings andother large-scale changes can be seen in the area enclosed in yellow.

9Figure 2.1-6 Yawata Town, Iwaki City, Fukushima (same 3 × 3 km area)
Figures 2.1-7 to 2.1-9 show pre- and post-earthquake bird’s-eye views of Rikuzentakata City and Otsuchi
Town in the Kamihei area of Iwate created by merging pan-sharpened images from AVNIR-2 and PRISM
acquired on March 24, 2011, and November 6, 2010 with Digital Surface Model (DSM) images from PRISM.
The images provide a three-dimensional view of the extensive destruction caused by the tsunami to bridges,
embankments, urban areas and vegetation.

ⓒJAXA
Figure 2.1-7 Post-quake bird's-eye view of the area around Rikuzentakata City, Iwate(White areas: clouds and snow)

10Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －ⓒJAXA
Figure 2.1-8 Pre-quake bird's-eye view of the area around Rikuzentakata City, IwateⓒJAXA
Figure 2.1-9 Post-quake bird’s-eye view of the area around Otsuchi Town, Kamihei, Iwate(White areas: clouds and snow)

2.1.3.3 Landslides
Figure 2.1-10 shows enlarged images of the Oshino district of Nakagawa Town in Tochigi acquired from
AVNIR-2 images observed after the earthquake on March 29, 2011 (left), before it on February 27, 2011
(center), and on December 4, 2008 (right). In the area enclosed in yellow, it can be seen that landslides
destroyed areas of vegetation and approached buildings to the north.

11

Figure 2.1-10 Oshino district of Nakagawa Town, Tochigi (same 1 × 1 km area)
Figure 2.1-11 shows enlarged images from AVNIR-2 of the area near Lake Fujinuma in Sukagawa City,
Fukushima, after the earthquake on March 12 and 29, 2011, and before it on December 4, 2008. In the area
enclosed in yellow, it can be seen that the lake burst, sending water into the Taki and Naganuma districts inthe lower reaches of the river. It can also be seen that less water was remained in the lake.

Figure 2.1-11 Area around Lake Fujinuma in Sukagawa City, Fukushima (same 5 × 5 km area)
Left: after the earthquake on March 29, 2011; center: after the earthquake on March 12, 2011; right: before theearthquake on December 4, 2008

Magnitude 7.1 and 6.0 aftershocks occurred in Hamadori, Fukushima, at 17:17 on April 11, triggeringlandslides at various locations around Iwaki City. Figure 2.1-12 shows enlarged images of a landslide
between Iwaki Nakoso IC and Iwaki Yumoto IC on the Joban Expressway taken after the aftershocks on April
12, 2011, and before the aftershocks on April 10, 2011. In the area enclosed in yellow, it can be seen that thelandslide reached the expressway.

12

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －Figure 2.1-12 Joban Expressway in Iwaki City, Fukushima (same 1 × 1 km area)
Left: after the earthquake on April 12, 2011; right: before the earthquake on April 10, 2011

2.1.3.4 Marine debris
Figure 2.1-13 shows enlarged images from AVNIR-2 taken after the earthquake on March 14, 2011 andbefore it on February 27, 2011, around Aburasaki, Rikuzentakata City, Iwate. It can be seen that a large
amount of marine debris washed into the bay and that plains were flooded.

Figure 2.1-13 Aburasaki, Rikuzentakata City, Iwate (same 5 × 5 km area)
Left: after the earthquake on March 14, 2011; right: before the earthquake on February 27, 2011

Figure 2.1-14 shows an image from PALSAR observed around Sendai Bay on March 13. The green
circles show debris; roughly 30 objects can be seen. The many white lines extending from north to south arecaused by a phenomenon called ambiguity, in which bright land reflects on the dark surface of the sea.

13

Figure 2.1-14 Marine debris observed by PALSAR (near Sendai Bay)(around 22:11 on March 13, 2011)

2.1.3.5 Flood damage
Satellite observations are effective in determining the extent of tsunami-related flooding. Figure 2.1-15
shows enlarged pre- and post-earthquake images of the area around the Odaka district of Soma City in
Fukushima taken by AVNIR-2 on March 14 and February 23. Areas of vegetation (shown in red) are stillpresent, but extensive flooding is seen in rice fields and other areas of arable fields (shown in dark blue).

Figure 2.1-15 Flooding around Odaka, Minamisoma City, Fukushima (same 6 × 6 km area)

14

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －Observations using PALSAR also help to identify areas of flooding based on the properties of reflection.
As shown in Figure 2.1-16, most signals transmitted from the satellite bounce off water when flooding ispresent, which results in less reflection back toward the satellite and makes terrain appear darker (left). Afterthe floodwater dissipates, signal reflection back to the satellite is increased, making terrain appear lighter(right).

Figure 2.1-16 Difference in signal reflection with and without floodwater
Based on this characteristic, Figure 2.1-7 shows a pseudo-color image from PALSAR consisting ofimages observed on April 2 (red, incidence angle: 41.4°) and March 16, 2011 (green and blue, incidence
angle: 43.4°). The images are merged to highlight changes along the Pacific coast from the Shimokita
Peninsula to Chiba.

Figure 2.1-17 Pseudo-color PALSAR image

15

(R: observation on April 2 (incidence angle: 41.4°); G, B: observation on March 16 (incidence angle: 43.4°))

The geographical features of the two pseudo-color images were adjusted to compensate for their different
incidence angles. The coastal areas of Miyagi and Fukushima shown in Figure 2.1-17 are enlarged in Figure2.1-18.

Figure 2.1-18 Enlarged images of coastal areas in Fukushima and Miyagi
Left: coastal area of Fukushima; right: coastal area of Miyagi

Figure 2.1-19 shows an enlarged image of the Ishinomaki area from Figure 2.1-18, which is a part of areas
where changes can be seen between the two pseudo-color images shown in Figure 2.1-18 for March 16 andApril 2. Areas that are lighter in the former (i.e., those with higher levels of reflection) than in the latter are
indicated in blue, while those that are lighter in the latter are shown in red.

Figure 2.1-19 Enlarged image of the area around Ishinomaki

16Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －The rice fields along the Mano River (including those in the districts of Ouri, Negishi and Takaki) lookdark due to floodwater, but are all lighter in the April image. This is because the ground surface was
exposed as the floodwater dissipated, resulting in increased signal reflection.
Flooded parts of disaster-stricken areas were also detected using AVNIR-2 and PALSAR.
The total area of flooding in each prefecture was determined using pre- and post-earthquake images from
AVNIR-2, and the results are shown in Table 2.1-4. Zero is shown for areas where observation was notpossible due to clouds and for those where no flooding occurred. The results, classified into municipal
government areas, were provided to central government ministries and agencies. By way of example, Figure
2.1-20 shows the results for the cities of Soma and Minamisoma. It can be seen that coastal areas wereextensively flooded just after the disaster on March 14, and that the floodwater dissipated over time. Similar
analysis was also conducted with images from PALSAR (see Section 2.1.7.2 for the analysis results).
Table 2.1-4 Total areas of flooding by prefecture as observed by AVNIR-2
As of March 14
Observation
on March 14
Iwate Prefecture
2.74
Miyagi Prefecture
109.09Fukushima Prefecture
25.90
Ibaraki Prefecture
2.62
Chiba Prefecture
1.07
Name of prefecture

As of March 19
Observation
on March 19
1.96
64.68
21.52
0.05
0.16

Flooded area [km2]
As of April 5 As of April 12
As of April 17
Observation Observation Observation
on April 5
on April 12
on April 17
1.10
1.03
0.75
22.28
14.21
7.61
13.94
11.03
5.85
0.10
0.09
0.04
0.02
0
0

As of April 20
Observation Observation
on April 18
on April 20
0.69
0
4.28
0
0
0.09
0
0.02
0
0.00

Figure 2.1-20 Results of observation by AVNIR-2 to determine total areas of flooding in the
Fukushima cities of Soma and Minamisoma
2.1.3.6 Crustal movement(a) Detection of crustal movement
Differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (DInSAR) analysis was performed to detect crustal
movement in relation to the Great East Japan Earthquake by comparing pre- and post-earthquake images
acquired from the same orbit on April 18 and March 3, 2011.
Crustal deformation considered to have been caused by the M-7.0 earthquake centered on Hamadori inFukushima on April 11, 2011, was also detected.

17

Figure 2.1-21 Range of PALSAR observation to detect crustal movement
SRTM3 data were used to provide digital elevation models. The red star shows the epicenter of the Great East
Japan Earthquake.
The image on the left of Figure 2.1-22 was generated from PALSAR data acquired before the disaster (onMarch 3) and after it (on April 18) using differential interferometric SAR (DInSAR), and the image on theright is from PALSAR observation after the earthquake. Interference fringes (rainbow-color stripes) are seen
in most parts of the left DInSAR image, indicating extensive crustal deformation typical of a massive
earthquake. Diastrophism resulting in movement of around 2.6 m away from the satellite (including thegaps toward the east) is also seen in coastal areas of Sendai City in the vicinity of the epicenter.

Figure 2.1-22 DInSAR images from PALSAR showing crustal deformation
Left: DInSAR image from PALSAR (crustal deformation). The section in the white frame is enlarged in Figure
2.1-23.
Right: PALSAR image taken after the earthquake. The Epicenter 1 star shows the focal point of the Great East
Japan Earthquake (M 9.0), and the Epicenter 2 star shows that of the earthquake centered on Hamadori inFukushima on April 11, 2011 (M 7.0). (Epicenter 2 data courtesy of the Japan Meteorological Agency)

18

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －In Figure 2.1-23, regional interference fringes that differ significantly from those around them can be seen.
This is considered to stem from crustal deformation associated with the April 11 2011 Fukushima Hamadori
earthquake (M 7.0), which is thought to have caused crustal movement of 2 m or more around the epicenter.

Figure 2.1-23 Enlarged DInSAR image from PALSAR (crustal movement)(area shown in the white frame in Figure 2.1-22)
2.1.3.7 Liquefaction
Figure 2.1-24 shows enlarged images of the area around Kaihin-Makuhari Station on the Keiyo Line in
Chiba based on AVNIR-2 data acquired after the earthquake on March 17, 2011 (left) and before theearthquake on February 23, 2011 (right). The areas circled in yellow show a lighter shade of gray after theearthquake due to liquefaction, which brought moist sand up to the ground surface. An example of thisphenomenon is shown in the photo in Figure 2.1-25, taken on March 18, 2011.

Figure 2.1-24 Kaihin-Makuhari Station in Chiba (same 3 × 3 km area)

19

Figure 2.1-25 Liquefaction in Makuhari Kaihin Park (photo taken on March 18)
Figure 2.1-26 shows the results of liquefaction detection in a high-resolution image of the coastal area
between Makuhari Hongo and Makuhari stations taken at 10:57 JST on March 17 2011 by the United States’
WorldView-2 satellite, whose data is provided through Disaster Charter.

Figure 2.1-26 Areas of liquefaction between Makuhari Hongo and Makuhari stations
Left: overview; right: enlargement

2.1.3.8 Fire
Figure 2.1-27 shows enlarged pre- and post-earthquake images of the area around an oil refinery in
Ichihara City, Chiba, observed by AVNIR-2 on March 17, 2011 (left) and on February 23, 2011 (right).

20

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －The black area circled in yellow is the site of a fire caused by the Earthquake.

Figure 2.1-27 Oil refinery in Ichihara City, Chiba (same 3 × 3 km area)
Figure 2.1-28 shows a satellite topographical image in which the area of the fire at the oil refinery can be
seen. This is based on an image observed by FORMOSAT-2 on March 13 2011 through Sentinel Asia.

Figure 2.1-28 Satellite topographical image showing the area of the oil refinery firein Ichihara City, Chiba

21

2.1.4

Cooperation with from overseas institutions

JAXA asked Sentinel Asia and, on behalf of the Cabinet Office, the Disaster Charter to carry out
emergency observations immediately after the earthquake struck at 14:46 on March 11 2011 for (request time:
15:24).
2.1.4.1 Response by the Disaster Charter and others
In response to the request made to the Disaster Charter for emergency observations, earth observation
satellites managed by space-related institutions worldwide observed more than 5,000 images and provided
them to Japan. Table 2.1-5 shows a list of satellites and contributing institutions that conducted observations
at the disaster areas as members of the Disaster Charter and others (except Daichi). In addition, footprints(observation areas) monitored by the Disaster Charter are also listed in Figure 2.1-29.

Table 2.1-5 Satellites used for observations by members of the Disaster Charter and others(except Daichi)
Sensor type
SAR data

Optical sensor
data

22

Satellite nameTerraSAR-X
RADARSAT-1, 2
ENVISATCOSMO-SkyMed※Provided by non-Chater
memberIKONOS-2
GeoEye-1
QuickBird-2
WorldView-1, 2
SPOT-4, 5
Kompsat-2
RapidEye
HJ
LANDSAT-5, 7
EO-1
Cartosat
Dubaisat※Provided by non-Chater
memberOrganization nameCountry（Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt：DLR）Germany
Canada（Canadian Space Agency：CSA）
EU（European Space Agency：ESA）
Italy（Agenzia Spaziale Italiana：ASI）
USA（U.S. Geological Survey：USGS）
USGS
USA
USGS
USA
USGS
USA
France（Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales：CNES）
South Korea（Korea Aerospace Research Institute：KARI）
DLR
Germany
China（China National Space Administration：CNSA）
USGS
USA
USGS
USA
India
（Indian Space Research Organization：ISRO）
EIAST(Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and UAE
Technology）

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －Figure 2.1-29 Overview of observations by Disaster Charter members
The images of the disaster areas provided by the Disaster Charter were processed and analyzed by JAXA,
the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), and other institutions across the world that were approved by theDisaster Charter.

These organizations produced over 90 useful data sets and created related analysis

products, which were made available to the public on the Disaster Charter website (Figure 2.1-30).

Figure 2.1-30 Image analysis products released on the Disaster Charter website(http://www.disasterscharter.org/web/charter/home)

23

The institutes produce analysis products for the disaster-area images are listed in Table 2.1-6, andexamples of products themselves are shown in Figures 2.1-31 to 2.1-41.

Table 2.1-6 Overseas institutions creating image analysis products for the Disaster Charter
OriginUnitedNations(UN)
USA

Institution providing product
United Nations Institute for Training and Research(UNITAR) / UNITAR's Operational Satellite Application
Programme (UNOSAT)
Clark Labs, Clark University
Earthquake Data Enhanced Cyber-Infrastructure for Disaster
Evaluation and Response (E-DECIDER)
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)

Germany
FranceUSGS
George Mason University
GISCorps, Auburn University
ImageCat inc.
Pennsylvania State University
DLR / Center for Satellite Based Crisis Information (ZKI)
Regional Service of Image Treatment and Remote Sensing(SERTIT)

Satellite using
data
RADARSAT-1
RADARSAT-2

Example ofproduct
Figure 2.1-31

GeoEye-1,
WorldView
WorldView,
QuickBird-2
GeoEye-1,
WorldView
WorldView-1
WorldView-2
WorldView-1
GeoEye-1
WorldView-2
RapidEyeTerraSAR-X
WorldView-1, 2
IKONOS-2
SPOT-5Landsat-7

Figure 2.1-32
Figure 2.1-33
Figure 2.1-34
Figure 2.1-35
Figure 2.1-36
Figure 2.1-37
Figure 2.1-38
Figure 2.1-39
Figure 2.1-40
Figure 2.1-41

Figure 2.1-31 Example of image analysis products produced by overseas institutions (United Nations Instiutefor Traing and Research (UNITAR) / UNITAR’s Operational Satellite Application Programme (UNOSAT))
Identification of tsunami-hit areas from Sendai to southern Miyagi using pre- and post-disaster SAR images
Images used: RADARSAT-1 (observation after disaster on March 12, 2011), RADARSAT-2 (observation before
disaster on March 26, 2006)

24

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －Figure 2.1-32 Example of image analysis products produced by overseas institutions(Clark Labs, Clark University.)
Pre- and post-disaster images of Otsuchi Town, Iwate, taken using a high-resolution optical sensor
Images used: top: GeoEye-1 (observation before disaster on June 1, 2010); bottom: WorldView (observation
after disaster on March 14, 2011)

Figure 2.1-33 Example of image analysis products produced by overseas institutions (Earth quake
Date Enhanced Cyber-Infrastructure for Disaster Evaluation and Response(E-DECIDER))
Pre- and post-disaster images of the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station taken using a high-resolution
optical sensor
Images used: top: WorldView-1 (observation before disaster on March 26, 2009): bottom: QuickBird-2(observation after disaster on March 16, 2011)25

Figure 2.1-34 Example of image analysis products produced by overseas institutions Rochester
Institute of Technology (RIT)
Post-disaster images of the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station taken using a high-resolution optical sensor
after the hydrogen explosion
Images used: left: WorldView-2 (observation on March 17, 2011); right: GeoEye-1 (observation on March 19,
2011)

Figure 2.1-35 Example of image analysis products produced by overseas institutions
United States Geological Survey (USGS)
Pre- and post-disaster images of tsunami-affected areas in Minamisanriku Town, Miyagi, taken using ahigh-resolution optical sensor
Images used: Worldview-1 (observation before disaster on March 11, 2011; observation after disaster on March 14,
2011)
26

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －Figure 2.1-36 Example of image analysis products produced by overseas institutions (George Mason University.)
Pre- and post-disaster images of tsunami-affected areas in Tagajo City, Miyagi, taken using a high-resolution optical sensor
Images used: Worldview-2 (top: observation before disaster on August 4, 2010; below: observation after disaster on
March 14, 2011)

Figure 2.1-37 Example of image analysis products produced by overseas institutions (GISCorps, Aubum University.)
Pre- and post-disaster images of tsunami-affected areas in Miyako City, Iwate, taken using a high-resolution opticalsensorImages used: Worldview-1 (top: observation before disaster on March 11, 2011; bottom: observation after disasteron March 19, 2011)27

Figure 2.1-38 Example of image analysis products produced by overseas institutions (Image Cat Inc,)
Pre- and post-disaster images of tsunami-affected areas in Rikuzentakata City, Iwate, taken using a high-resolution
optical sensor
Images used: GeoEye-1 (top: observation before disaster on September 29, 2010; center: observation after disasteron March 13, 2011; bottom: post-disaster image of tsunami-affected areas)

Figure 2.1-39 Example of image analysis products produced by overseas institutions(Pennsylvania State University.)
Post-disaster images of tsunami-affected areas in Shichigahama Town, Miyagi, taken using a high-resolution
optical sensor
Images used: Worldview-2 (observation after disaster on March 14, 2011)28

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －Figure 2.1-40 Example of image analysis products produced by overseas institutions (Deutsches
Zentrum für Luft-und Raumfahrt (DLR) / Center for Satellite Based Crisis Information (ZKI))
Superimposition of a SAR image showing tsunami-affected areas in Minamisoma City, Fukushima, onto one takenusing a high-resolution optical sensor
Images used: SAR/Terra SAR-X (observation after disaster on March 12, 2011), optics/RapidEye (observation after
disaster on March 12, 2011)

Figure 2.1-41 Example of image analysis products produced by overseas institutions(Service Régional de Traitement d’Image et de Télédétection (SERTIT))
Superimposition of pre-disaster wide-range images of the area encompassing Ishinomaki City, Miyagi, and Okuma
Town, Fukushima, taken using an optical sensor, onto an image of the tsunami-affected areas, and post-tsunami
enlarged images taken using a high-resolution optical sensor
Images used: broad-swath images/Landsat-7 (observations before disaster on September 21, 2000 and September
24, 2001), enlarged images/SPOT-5 (observation after disaster on March 12, 2011)29

2.1.4.2 Response by Sentinel Asia
JAXA asked Sentinel Asia observations along the Tohoku coast to supplement the observation areas ofDaichi on March 11, because PRISM and AVNIR-2 observations using Daichi were scheduled for inland
Tohoku on the day after the earthquake (March 12) and the tsunami was thought to have affected a wide area.
In response, Taiwan’s National Space Organization (NSPO) of the National Applied Research Laboratory(NARL) and Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) conducted
observations along the coast using FORMOSAT-2 and THEOS on March 12. The activities were continued
on March 13, and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) also observed the Sendai area using
CARTOSAT-2 on March 14 after the FORMOSAT-2 survey.
FORMOSAT-2 has the particular characteristic of following the same orbit every day and making threeobservations of Japan with each flight over the country by shifting the pitch of its axis from north to south.
It continuously observed the disaster areas between March 12 and 24 every day.

Table 2.1-7 Emergency observations by Sentinel Asia satellites (except Daichi)
Date
March 11
March 12
March 13
March 14

March 15
March 16
March 17 – 24

30

Time
14:46
15:24
Approx. 9:12
Approx. 10:07
Approx. 13:00
Approx. 9:12
Approx. 9:47
Approx. 15:00
Approx. 9:12
Approx. 10:30
Approx. 15:00
Approx. 17:09
Approx. 23:04
Approx. 9:12
Approx. 15:00
Approx. 9:12
Approx. 15:00
Approx. 9:12
Approx. 15:00

Major events
Earthquake occurrence
Emergency observation requested
Observation by FORMOSAT-2
Observation by THEOSFORMOSAT-2 data provided (observation on March 12)
Observation by FORMOSAT-2
Observation by THEOSFORMOSAT-2 data provided (observation on March 13)
Observation by FORMOSAT-2
Observation by CARTOSAT-2
FORMOSAT-2 data provided (observation on March 14)
THEOS data provided (observation on March 12)
THEOS data provided (observation on March 13)
Observation by FORMOSAT-2
FORMOSAT-2 data provided (observation on March 15)
Observation by FORMOSAT-2
FORMOSAT-2 data provided (observation on March 16)
CARTOSAT-2 data provided (observation on March 14)
Observation by FORMOSAT-2
FORMOSAT-2 data provided (observation on the day)Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －*FORMOSAT-2 observed the same area between March 14 and 24 every day.
Background images: acquired by LANDSAT, NASA

Figure 2.1-42 Observation areas covered by each satellite(1)

Quick gathering of data on the affected areas

Satellite images covering all the affected areas, including inland regions, had been taken on March 12 (theday after the earthquake) through cooperation with Sentinel Asia using the FORMOSAT-2, THEOS andCARTOSAT-2 satellites in combination with observations made by Daichi. By March 14, cloud-free images
had been obtained for almost all coastal areas, including zones where local conditions could not be
determined from images obtained on March 12 due to the presence of clouds.
Immediately after observation, FORMOSAT-2 data were initially sent to Taiwan due to the geographicalsituation of the receiving station. The observation data were made available on the afternoon of the sameday. The images taken on March 12 were provided at around 13:00 together with those taken on March 11
before the earthquake struck. On the following day (March 13), the results of image analysis were also
provided to enable comparison of conditions before and after the disaster (Figures 2.1-43 and 2.1-44), andproved helpful in promptly determining the extent of the damage.
March 11

March 12ⓒ NSPOⓒ NSPO

Figure 2.1-43 FORMOSAT-2 images (Watari Town and surrounding areas, Miyagi)

31March 11

March 12ⓒ NSPOⓒ NSPO

Figure 2.1-44 FORMOSAT-2 images (Watari Town and surrounding areas, Iwanuma City, Miyagi)

March 12ⓒ NSPO

Figure 2.1-45 FORMOSAT-2 image (Miyagino Ward and surrounding areas, Sendai, Miyagi)

32

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －March 12

ⓒGISTDA

Figure 2.1-46 THEOS image (Higashimatsushima City and surrounding areas, Miyagi)
March 14ⓒNRSC/ISRO

Figure 2.1-47 CARTOSAT-2 image (Shiogama Port and surrounding areas, Sendai)

33

(2)

Continuous observation for determination of changes in the affected areas
Sentinel Asia continuously observed all the affected areas immediately after the earthquake and for aperiod of two weeks in collaboration with FORMOSAT-2.
Comparison of daily data observed under the same conditions enabled identification of developments inthe affected areas, such as changes in flood areas, fire outbreaks, fire control, snowfall and other weather
considerations.

Figure 2.1-48 FORMOSAT-2 images (Shiogama Port area, Sendai)(3)

Provision of satellite data to organizations in Japan
Satellite data from Sentinel Asia which can be used for analyasis is usually provided exclusively tomember organizations operating as Data Provider Nodes and Data Analysis Nodes. However, it was decided
to distribute the data freely to organizations in Japan in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake inconjunction with the National Applied Research Laboratory (NARL) and the National Space Organization(NSPO).
As a result, FORMOSAT-2 data were provided to six universities and one private company on request,
and were utilized by a variety of organizations in activities to support the affected areas.

34

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －2.1.5

Product provision and utilization by users for disaster management

2.1.5.1 Product provision
JAXA created over 1,700 products using satellite data from Daichi and data provided by the International
Disaster Charter and Sentinel Asia. These were distributed to government ministries involved in disasterrisk management as well as to local governments and other disaster prevention institutions.
Standard processed data from Daichi were also provided to users involved in disaster management foranalysis purposes, and were utilized by various organizations.
Table 2.1-8 Major analysis products provided by JAXA
Main type
Daichi satellite
image Map
Mapping
product
Area damage
analysis

Details

Geographical information is superimposed on images acquired by
Daichi with several reduced-scale. Daichi satellite image maps arearranged as standard.
Geographical information is superimposed on data acquired byoverseas satellite images with several reduced-scale.
Production of images for areas where there is a need, and processingof already-acquired images
Identification of changes between pre- and post-disaster images
Stereoscopic images from disaster areas
Interferograms generated from ALOS/PALSAR data using thedifferential interferometric SAR (DInSAR) technique

Flood damage
analysis

Time series analysis for areas of tsunami flooding
Calculation the overall flooded area
Interpretation of liquefaction

Nuclear power
plant

Images of facilities and buildings of the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear
Power Station
Superimposition of images showing the plant’s range scales andnuclear evacuation zones
Comparison of before-/after-earthquake images showing the plant’s
facilities and buildings
Comparison of before-/after-earthquake images showing othernuclear power plants, e.g., the Onagawa facility

Accident
analysis

Identification of changes in marine debris/flotsam and related
analysisAnalysis of fires (in mountainous areas and complexes)
Analysis of sediment damage

Satellite data used

Daichi (emergency observation
data)
Daichi (archive)
Provide by the Disaster Charterand Sentinel Asia
Daichi (emergency observation
data)
Daichi (archive)
Provided by the Disaster Charter
Provided by Sentinel Asia
Daichi (emergency observation
data)
Daichi (archive)
Provided by the Disaster Charter
Daichi (emergency observation
data)
Daichi (archive)
Provided by the Disaster Charter

Forms

Geo PDF
Geo TIFF
JPEG (low resolution)
JPEG (high resolution)
PDF
Online delivery
Shape file
PowerPoint
Large printed paper
Excel (numerical data)

Daichi (emergency observation
data)
Daichi (archive)
Provided by the Disaster Charter
Provided by Sentinel Asia

2.1.5.2 Utilization by parties involved in disaster management
Feedback from users of products provided by JAXA is summarized below.
(1)

Cabinet Secretariat (in charge of security and risk management)

In response to a request from the Crisis Management Center of the Prime Minister’s Office to take initialaction immediately after the earthquake, Daichi images and satellite data provided through the Disaster
Charter were used to create mapping products for comparison of pre- and post-disaster conditions at the JapanAir Self-Defense Force’s Matsushima Airbase and Sendai Airport (as potential bases for the transport ofpatients and goods), for determination of changes in the status of buildings at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear
Power Station, and for monitoring of the expanded evacuation zone and stay-indoors zone around the plant.
In addition, in response to a request for data to be used in identifying an area in which evacuees would beallowed to return home for a limited period of time, the results of satellite data analysis for tsunami-flooded
areas were provided. On March 15, a flight restriction was issued for areas within 30 km of the Fukushima
Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station, making it difficult to determine local conditions using aircraft. Against thisbackground, optical images of the power plant and surrounding areas (including high-resolution data from the35

Disaster Charter) were provided almost every day until April 19, and were utilized to identify changes in thestatus of buildings at the plant.
It was difficult to obtain an overall picture of local damage immediately after the earthquake, and theseimages from Daichi and other satellites were the first post-disaster data provided. They enabled direct anduniform determination of local conditions over wide areas, and were the most utilized geospatial information
products during the early stages of post-disaster response. To meet a variety of needs, particularly from thePrime Minister’s Official Residence, the products were flexibly made according to the scale of the area ofinterest (i.e., from individual buildings to whole regions) and presented for comparison with relatively recent
pre-disaster images. They were also frequently utilized in combination with aerial photos provided later.

Figure 2.1-49 Pre- and post-disaster images of Sendai Airport from Daichi (left) and satellite imagesof the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station provided by the Disaster Charter (right)(2)

Cabinet Office (disaster management)

After the disaster, a contact system between the Cabinet Office and JAXA was promptly established.
Based on this setup, emergency observation plans to support the selection of disaster zones for observationand for other purposes, and the details of the products to be created were discussed in the Cabinet Office.
Immediately after the earthquake, a set of Daichi satellite image maps (57 maps; 46 on a scale of 1:50,000
and 11 on a scale of 1:200,000) created using Daichi data collected from Pacific coastal areas in the Tohoku
region before the disaster were printed in wide format and hand-carried by JAXA staff to the Cabinet Officebecause transportation services in the Tokyo metropolitan area were suspended. On March 12, the day after
the earthquake, 19 maps were added as requested, and totally 76 pre-disaster Daichi satellite image maps were
provided and distributed to the disaster countermeasures offices of individual prefectures via the Cabinet
Office.
Daichi emergency observation results and pre-disaster archive data were continuously provided in
GeoTIFF, orthorectified or standard processed data format. Geographical information of various types wasmerged with onto Daichi data to create a range of map products, which were provided as digital data or
printed in large format. These data were utilized by the Crisis Management Center of the Prime Minister’s
Office and by other organizations.
In response to a request for provision of information on flooded areas ranging from Hokkaido to Chiba inorder to support determination of the extent of tsunami damage across the affected areas, the results of data
analysis for the entire disaster-stricken region (together with those for the Tohoku and northern Kanto regions
provided in line with requests from other institutions) were made available to the public. Products from theDisaster Charter were also provided as needed.

36

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －Figure 2.1-50 Daichi satellite image maps: special scale (1:400,000) (left)
and regular scale (1:200,000) (right)

Figure 2.1-51 Daichi satellite image maps: with a post-disaster Daichi image merged with onto a
pre-disaster one (left), and with information on distances from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear
Power Station superimposed onto a pre-disaster one (right)

37

(3)

National Police Agency

Observation images posted on Daichi Bosai WEB were downloaded by the National Police Agency, and arange of related products were created. These were printed in large format and sent to on-site disastercountermeasures offices in individual disaster-affected prefectures.
(4)

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism(a) River Bureau, City and Regional Development Bureau, Housing Bureau, Kanto and Kinki Regional
Development Bureaus
In response to a request for provision of Daichi emergency observation data immediately after the disaster,
information on plans for observation of coastal Tohoku and on cloud coverage information in AVNIR-2
images was provided. In line with a further request for provision of information on flooding in tsunami-hit
areas to help clarify the growing tsunami damage, information on flood areas as determined from datainterpretation and from calculation using the output of PALSAR and AVNIR-2 was provided from March 21
through April 22. These results were used for comparative verification with other information.
Another request was also received for provision of satellite data to be used in determining the extent of thedamage and detecting wildfires in Pacific coastal areas of eastern Japan. In response, information extracted
from Daichi images of the Sanriku coast in Iwate and satellite images of liquefaction areas in Chiba from theDisaster Charter were provided.

Figure 2.1-52 List of flooded areas (m2) extracted from AVNIR-2 data (left) andan image of flooded areas extracted from PALSAR data (right)

Figure 2.1-53 Image of flooded areas extracted from AVNIR-2 data (left), identification of liquefaction
areas (middle) and identification of a wildfire (Otsuchi Town, Iwate) (right)
38

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －(b) National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management
Prompt investigations were needed in light of the high risk of landslides in the 40,000 km2 area where aseismic intensity of 5-upper was experienced. There were also fears that extensive collapses might trigger
secondary landslides due to aftershocks and rainfall. In response to a request from the National Institute forLand and Infrastructure Management, JAXA performed emergency observation using Daichi. The images
collected (AVNIR-2, PRISM, pan-sharpened and forward view) were provided to the institute, where they
were interpreted by specialists, and automatic landslide identification was performed.

As a result,approximately 200 actual and potential landslides were pinpointed. It was also confirmed that no majorrivers had been blocked by landslides, and that no intensive landslides had occurred.
It was impossible to survey every hazard event based only on visual observation from helicopters. In
addition, as only satellite-based observation could be conducted in the no-fly zone (within 30 km of thenuclear power plant), images captured by Daichi proved very effective.
These results were reported to the Sabo (Erosion and Sediment Control) Department of the Ministry ofLand, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and released as emergency inspection results.

Figure 2.1-54 Satellite image interpretation(5)

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries asked JAXA to provide Daichi data for prompt

determination of the extent of damage to farmland in tsunami-hit areas. In response, JAXA analyzed
tsunami-related flooding using PALSAR and other satellite data and provided the results to the ministry.
These data were utilized to clarify the situation on farmland and as information to be taken into consideration
together with later information when devising methods of related restoration.
Daichi images from Daichi Bosai WEB were also downloaded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry
and Fisheries and used as base maps. These images were further used to assess damage and current
conditions at Ogaki irrigation dam, which could not be observed directly because it was located within 20 kmof the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station.

39

Figure 2.1-55 Results of flooding analysis using PALSAR data provided to
the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries(6)

Fisheries Agency
As reference information to support the assessment of damage to aquaculture rafts, Daichi images of

Yamada Bay in Iwate and coastal areas of Kesennuma City in Miyagi were provided to the Fisheries Agency’s
Fish Ranching and Aquaculture Division.
JAXA contacted the Resource Management Department to offer data for use in searching for fishing boats,
but the information was not needed due to the constantly changing nature of the situation.

ⓒJAXA

Figure 2.1-56 Floating debris in the sea as captured in a Daichi image provided to
the Fisheries Agency
40

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －(7)Japan Coast Guard
The Japan Coast Guard’s Navigation Guidance Office (part of the Maritime Traffic Department’s

Navigation Safety Division) requested information covering a wide area to support the tracking of Marine
debris off the coast of Miyagi. Daichi data collected on April 18 were analyzed and provided, althoughfurther scheduled data provision was canceled due to the suspension of Daichi’s observations. Data werealso provided as reference information to the Japan Coast Guard’s Guard and Rescue Department.
(8)

Ministry of the Environment
In response to a request for satellite data analysis from the Ministry of the Environment to support

investigation of floating debris distribution along the Sanriku coast, changes between pre- and post-disaster
observation data (November 16, 2010 vs. March 14, 2011) were identified. As a result, the presence offloating debris over an area of approximately 560,000 m2 in the Rikuzentakata region alone was determined.
This result was largely consistent with that of a study by the Ministry of the Environment, and provided usefuldata to determine the amount of floating debris and matter washed up on beaches where access was notpossible and along coasts and on beaches where evaluation was difficult. The results were also provided to
the Japan Coast Guard.

Figure 2.1-57 Daichi image of debris washed up along the coastline(9)

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
In line with a request from the Nuclear Damage Compensation Office (part of the Research andDevelopment Bureau at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology), a product inwhich range indications and nuclear evacuation zones for the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station weremerged with onto Daichi images and a variety of other products related to the plant were created, printed on alarge scale and provided to the office.

41

Figure 2.1-58 Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station range scales(10) National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention
In response to a request from the Disaster Risk Research Unit of the National Research Institute for Earth
Science and Disaster Prevention to release Daichi images, related data covering the Tohoku region andNiigata and Nagano prefectures were provided. Based on WMS (ISO 19128 － an international standard
for geospatial information distribution), these Daichi images were distributed by the institute as a matter ofurgency for use at volunteer centers and other facilities in the affected areas via the ALL311 Great East Japan
Earthquake Information Platform website, and were also transmitted as information to support disaster
response and recovery in affected areas.

Figure 2.1-59 Web page with information on Daichi image distribution (left) and WMS distribution of
Daichi images (right)(http://bosai-drip.jp/alos/wms.htm)

42

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －(11) Geospatial Information Authority of Japan and Earthquake Working GroupAt the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan and the Earthquake Working Group, SAR
interferometry was performed using data acquired by Daichi before and after the disaster, and the results werereleased. The data identified crustal deformation of up to 4 m near the Oshika Peninsula － a result that
corresponded with the outcomes of continuous GPS observations (movement of approximately 5.3 m in an
east-southeast direction and subsidence of approximately 1.2 m). Local crustal deformation resulting frominland earthquakes triggered by the main shock (M 9.0) of March 11 was also seen in several locations.

Figure 2.1-60 Analysis of crustal deformation caused by the main shock (left) andidentification of crustal deformations caused by aftershocks (right)(12) Iwate and Fukushima Prefectural Disaster Countermeasures Offices, on-site technical emergency
control forces, government agency regional bureaus and departments
In cooperation with Professor Yokoyama from the Laboratory of Remote Sensing Data Analysis at Iwate
University, Daichi data provided by JAXA were analyzed by the university, and products were created andprinted in long format. Professor Yokoyama visited local organizations in Iwate and other prefectures to
distribute the results. Related local organizations faced extreme difficulties in determining the extent of thedamage because communications networks were disrupted and gasoline shortages restricted the sphere ofactivity. Against this background, Daichi images were utilized in various ways by local organizations
involved in disaster response.
(a) List of Daichi image products created① AVNIR-2 images taken on Mar. 14, 2011
② Pan-sharpened (PS) images taken on Mar. 24, 2011
③ PS images and PS stereoscopic images taken on Apr. 10, 2011
④ PS images from before the disaster(b) Major organizations receiving data
① Iwate Prefecture Disaster Countermeasures Office and Iwate Air Rescue Team
 Daichi images of coastal Iwate on a scale of 1:30,000 taken before and after the disaster and printed on43paper measuring 7 m in length were provided.
 The print gave an overall picture of the affected areas, and was posted in the control center and used toshare information with relevant parties.
② Ground Self-Defense Force Iwate and Miyagi Disaster Relief Headquarters
The same 7-m printout was provided in response to a request from the Ground Self-Defense Force for use
in rescue operations in the affected areas.
 Daichi images of coastal Iwate on a scale of 1:30,000 taken before and after the disaster and printed on
paper measuring 7 m in length were provided.
 Daichi images of coastal Miyagi on a scale of 1:30,000 taken before and after the disaster and printed on
paper measuring 6 m in length were provided.
③ Fukushima Prefecture Disaster Countermeasures Office PS stereoscopic images of coastal Fukushima on a scale of 1:30,000 taken on Apr. 10, 2011, were
provided.
 The print gave an overall picture of the affected areas, and was posted in the control center and used toshare information with relevant parties.
⑤ Tohoku Construction Association
 Daichi images of coastal areas from Hachinohe City, Aomori, to Iwaki City, Fukushima, on a scale of
1:30,000 taken before and after the disaster and printed on paper measuring 17.5 m in length were
provided.
⑥ Tohoku Regional Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (provision through the
Tohoku Construction Association)
 Daichi images of coastal areas from Hachinohe City, Aomori, to Iwaki City, Fukushima, on a scale of
1:30,000 taken before and after the disaster and printed on paper measuring 17.5 m in length were
provided.
⑦ Tohoku Regional Agricultural Administration Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
 Pre-disaster PS images (covering the area from Hachinohe City, Aomori, to Iwaki City, Fukushima)
printed on a scale of 1:25,000 were provided.
 Post-disaster AVNIR-2 images (observed on Mar. 14, 2011, covering the area from Hachinohe City,
Aomori, to Iwaki City, Fukushima) printed on a scale of 1:25,000 were provided.
 PS stereoscopic images of coastal Fukushima taken on Apr. 10, 2011, printed on a scale of 1:30,000 were
provided.
 AVNIR-2 images taken on Apr. 14, 2011 were used.
¾ Data on Tohoku areas hit by the tsunami were analyzed, and the extent of the damage was determined toprovide information in the early stages. AVNIR-2 images supported damage evaluation even in areas
for which aerial photos were unavailable. This type of support was not taken into consideration on
many other flood maps.
¾ Images and analysis results were shared within the office and used in explanations given to visitors.

¾
¾

¾

44

PS stereoscopic images acquired on Apr. 10, 2011 were used.
Satellite images were used to identify massive landslides in coastal areas of Fukushima where aerial
photos were unavailable after the earthquake.
Satellite images were used to identify geographical features, areas of greenery and other characteristic
areas. Field reconnaissance of landslides was then conducted in Iwaki City and the surrounding areas,
and an earthquake fault in Iwaki City forming as a result of an aftershock on April 11 was surveyed.
These images were useful in identifying geographical conditions over a wide area.

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －ⓒJAXAⓒ横山空間情報研究所

Figure 2.1-61 PS stereoscopic image of an affected area (created by Prof. Yokoyama)⑧ Tohoku Regional Environment Office, Ministry of the Environment
Daichi images of Pacific coastal areas from Hachinohe City, Aomori, to Iwaki City, Fukushima, taken atsix different times after the disaster and before it were provided (see Section 3.2.1.2 for details).
⑨ Yamada Cho, Iwate prefecture
Pan-sharpened images taken by Daichi on Sep. 10, 2006, were provided in response to a request for data
to be used in confirming locations where aquaculture facilities were installed before the earthquake, and insupporting the identification of borders within which such facilities washed away by the tsunami could be
re-established in Yamada Bay.
⑩ Hachinohe City, Aomori prefecture
Comment from a city official in charge: The Daichi Bosai map covering Hachinohe City (provided as aresult of the Cooperation for Joint Exercises of Aomori and Iwate for Citizen Protection in 2010 project)provided very useful data to which information on flooded areas could be added, and was very helpful inexplaining disaster-related matters to local residents.
(13) Wakayama Prefecture
Wakayama Prefecture promotes activities to demonstrate experimental disaster management applications
under an agreement with JAXA. Before prefectural government employees were dispatched to Iwate
Prefecture as part of the activities of the Union of Kansai Governments in response to the earthquake, it wasnecessary to consider how to ensure their safety and clarify the local situation, as the relevant personnel were
unfamiliar with the affected areas and had little information on the situation there. In response to a request
for information from Wakayama Prefecture on March 14, JAXA conducted emergency observations and also
provided a Daichi Bosai map showing Iwate Prefecture before the earthquake as well as products created after
it. A number of large prints of these products were created by Wakayama Prefecture in advance, and werebrought to Iwate Prefecture along with a CD-R at the time of the dispatch at the end of April. These
resources were utilized to check routes to the affected areas and shed light on the situation there. Wakayama
Prefecture also provided the CD-R to the Tohoku Regional Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure,
Transport and Tourism.

45

The activities carried out in Wakayama Prefecture to support Iwate Prefecture are a typical example ofinter-regional and wide-ranging collaborative initiatives implemented when major disasters occur. The
continuous efforts of Wakayama Prefecture and JAXA to demonstrate disaster management applications
enabled the prefecture to utilize information on other prefectures with the help of the Agency.
(14) Miyagi Prefecture
Based on a report from the United States Geological Survey (USGS; a member of the Disaster Charter),an SOS signal in Onagawa Sports Park in Onagawa City, Miyagi, was identified in satellite imagery on March
19. The matter was promptly reported to Miyagi Prefecture, and it was confirmed a few hours later that thepark had been used as an evacuation shelter and the situation had been resolved, thereby allaying fears thataccess to the village had been cut off.

Figure 2.1-62 SOS signal identified in satellite imagery(15) Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University
After the disaster, an Emergency Mapping Team (EMT) was launched, and Daichi images were provided
and utilized for mapping in response to a request to JAXA for collaboration (see Section 3.2.1.1 for details).
(16) Other organizations
Flood analysis results (for the prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima and Ibaraki) obtained using the
AVNIR-2 and PALSAR satellites were provided to the Ministry of Defense and utilized to identify costs andplan searches for missing people in the evacuation zone of the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station.
2.1.5.3 Web-based information provision(1)

Daichi Bousai WEB (https://bousai.jaxa.jp/)

To support the prompt provision of information to users involved in disaster management, a page for theGreat East Japan Earthquake was established on the Daichi Bosai WEB site. This enabled the posting ofDaichi emergency observation plans and results in addition to various products created using Daichi data andoutput developed by the Disaster Charter, Sentinel Asia and other overseas institutions. Providing this data
to users around the clock, the website received totally more than 1,500 hits from central government
ministries/agencies, local governments and other organizations.

46

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －Figure 2.1-63 Great East Japan Earthquake page on Daichi Bosai WEB(2)

EORC ALOS website (http://www.eorc.jaxa.jp/ALOS/en/index_j.htm)
Satellite data analysis results were regularly updated on JAXA’s Earth Observation Research Center(EORC) website, which received up to 20,000 visits per day after the quake. The site is usually accessed by
between 100,000 and 200,000 hits monthly, but received 550,000 hits in March and 340,000 in April.
Inquiries were fielded from people in the affected area who had viewed the analysis results, and requests werereceived from individuals involved in the operation of ships in affected sea areas for updated information on
driftage at any time.

Figure 2.1-64 EORC ALOS website

47

2.1.6

Aerial SAR observation

2.1.6.1 Overview
Pi-SAR-L (Polarimetric Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar in L-band) is an airborne L-bandsynthetic aperture radar developed by JAXA and completed in 1996. It is mounted on a Gulfstream II jet
airplane and observes a zone with a width of approximately 15 km to the left of the direction of travel from analtitude of around 10,000 m. With transmission power as high as 3,500 W (almost a little less than twice thatfor satellite-borne SAR) and closer proximity to the targets of observations, Pi-SAR-L is capable of capturing
images of exceptional quality. Accordingly, this type of SAR was developed with an eye on future SAR
evolution and expansion of the study area. It offers the following advantages: 1) the range resolution is
twice as high as that of PALSAR, and the azimuth resolution is five times as high; 2) the noise level is -45 dB(approximately 10 dB lower than that for PALSAR), and 3) polarimetric observation can be made at any time.
Pi-SAR-L was put into operation to support the identification of changes in the collapsed crater of Murakoshi
Village (2004), Miyake Island’s Mt. Oyama (July 2000), Mt. Usu (September 2000) and other disasters. As
it is difficult for aircraft to fly as straight as satellites, high-resolution images can be obtained only with highly
accurate analysis of data from an inertia navigator on board. For analysis relating to the Great East Japan
Earthquake, observations were made on April 4 and April 13, 2011. On April 4, the inertia navigator failed
to operate properly, but on April 13, normal images for some areas were obtained and used for analysis asshown below. Figure 2.1-65 gives an overview of an evaluation area encompassing the damaged cities ofHigashimatsushima, Sendai and Natori.

Figure 2.1-65 Pi-SAR-L observation area (PALSAR image in the background,
Pi-SAR-L observation zone with a width of 15 km)

48

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －2.1.6.2 Analysis of single images
A lack of imagery for April 4 made it impossible to identify changes that had taken place over a period ofeight days. Pi-SAR-L images ① and ② were taken by the satellite from a trajectory along the coastline,
and image ③ was taken as it moved eastward (see Figure 2.1-65). An enlarged picture of image ③
together with WorldView-2 images is shown in Figure 2.1-66. Although the quality of these images varies
greatly (as the resolution of Pi-SAR-L is approximately 3 m while that of WorldView-2 is approximately 50cm), both satellites captured clear images showing scattered debris. Pi-SAR-L has a full-polarimetricfunction, and pseudo-natural color images (as shown in Figure 2.1-66 (left)) can be created by converting
R-G-B to received signals HH-HV-VV (HV means that horizontally-polarized waves (H) are transmitted andvertically-polarized (V) waves are received), and visibility is improved as a result. Areas shown in green
represent piled up objects (volume scattering), while those in purple are solid masses (surface scattering).
The images are mostly dark-bluish purple, meaning that the majority of areas were flat. (Scattering intensity
is generally higher for VV than for HH on flat surfaces.) With the resolution of Pi-SAR-L, roads, urban
areas and buildings can be clearly seen, and close agreement with WorldView-2 images is confirmed. The
next-generation Pi-SAR-L (Pi-SAR-L2) is currently being developed with the aim of achieving better
resolution with greater stability. It is scheduled to enter full operation in April 2012, and is expected to makehigh-resolution observations in relation to disasters.

Figure 2.1-66 Comparison of Pi-SAR-L and WorldView-2 images of an affected area in Natori City
Despite a one-week difference between the observation dates, similar patterns of scattered debris areseen in both the radar and the optical images.

492.1.7

Field survey results

2.1.7.1 Field surveys
The M9.0 Great East Japan Earthquake － the world’s fourth largest in recorded history － triggered
massive tsunamis and caused widespread damage typical of such waves, including flooding to a depth ofseveral tens of meters, submergence of coastal lowlands under sea/flood water, tsunami runups, damage totsunami protection walls, urban devastation and bridge collapse. JAXA conducted a field survey between
August 2011 and March 2012 to evaluate emergency observations and analysis performed in response to thedisaster. The survey involved investigation of field survey results and satellite images in order to collect datafor use in verifying the suitability of using satellite images to analyze such damage.
Damage is divided into the three categories of flooding, crustal movement/ground deformation anddamage to artificial structures, and is further classified into three levels: a. clearly identifiable; b. identifiablefrom the surrounding conditions; c. not identifiable using satellite data. Due to the time that has passed since
the disaster, damage that cannot be identified using satellite data must be investigated based on data provided
by the national government and affected prefectures/municipalities and on results made public byorganizations involved in such surveying. Against this background, candidate survey areas were chosen inconsideration of data availability. However, areas that cannot be fully observed must be replaced with othercandidate areas with similar conditions.
Clarifying how satellite images are actually used in disaster countermeasures and pinpointing factors thatprevented such data from being used in this case will help to enhance satellite information usage in the future.
Accordingly, relevant considerations for promoting the use of such information will be identified throughinterviews with a variety of businesses. Specifically, efforts will be made to clarify and summarize thepurposes of its usage by commercial enterprises and organizations, appropriate timing for the provision ofimage information, the effects of actual satellite information usage, and related concerns and problems.
(1)

Flood surveys
Flooded areas were selected as typical sites of tsunami damage based on the conditions and reasons shown

below. For each condition, one or two sites will be observed to verify the accuracy of satellite image
interpretation.

Table 2.1-9 Selection of survey sites (flooding)Sites to be selected
1. Areas that were flooded despite theconstruction of strong harbor
breakwaters at bay mouths in
preparation for a tsunami
2. Areas that were flooded despite theconstruction of sturdy harbor
breakwaters or coastal levees in
preparation for a tsunami
3. Normal flooding at harbors

50

ReasonHarbor breakwaters expected to protect against a big
tsunami were destroyed.

Site
Kamaishi City, Iwate
Ofunato City, Iwate

Some districts where locals prided themselves on thesafety of coastal levees built in preparation for atsunami along the Sanriku shoreline sustained serious
damage.
Harbor facilities with breakwaters (to absorb the forceof waves) and wharves

Taro district, Miyako City,
Iwate
Kamaishi City, Iwate
Kesennuma City, Miyagi
Kitaibaraki City, Ibaraki

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －Sites to be selected
4. Flooding at large-scale harbors built
using modern techniques

ReasonHarbor facilities considered to have been built withall possible disaster countermeasures

5. Flooding in urban areas with noharbor breakwaters or coastal levees

Severe damage in districts with no tsunami protection
facilities

6. Running of water along relatively
steep geographical features (villages
experiencing fast running tsunami)

The northern coast of the Sanriku shoreline is dottedwith communities stretching along rivers on the
breaks of cliffs. The tsunami ran up these narrowareas and reached upper zones.
The tsunami ran up relatively low-level wide rivers,
causing severe damage to the area.

7. Running of water over gently sloping
fields (area sustaining severe damage
from the tsunami running up the river)
8. Coastal forests

Coastal forests cultivated since the Edo period weredestroyed by the tsunami.

9. Reclaimed land, landfill development
10. Tideland

Areas developed by reclaiming land
Areas where natural geographical features were
protected for environmental preservation weredamaged by the tsunami.

Site
Sendai Shinko, Miyagi
Sendai Airport, Natori City,
Miyagi
Yuriage district, Natori
City, Miyagi
Asahi City, Chiba
Settai district, Miyako City,
Iwate
Ryori district, Ofunato
City, Iwate
Ishinomaki City, Miyagi(Kitakami River)
Natori City, Miyagi (Natori
River)
Fudai district, Fudai
Village, Iwate
Nobiru Beach,
Higashimatsushima City,
MiyagiIshinomaki City, Miyagi
Sendai City, Miyagi (GamoTideland)Figure 2.1-67 Settai district, Miyako City, Iwate

Figure 2.1-68 Taro district, Miyako City, Iwate

The site of a village and a bridge claimed byDamage to an area with tsunami barriers

the tsunami(Photo courtesy of Asia Air Survey Co., Ltd.)(Photo courtesy of Mr. Hiroshi Sasaki)(2)

Crustal movement/ground deformation surveys
Sites where typical crustal movement and ground deformation occurred in the earthquake were selectedbased on the conditions and reasons shown below. For each condition, one or two sites will be observed toverify the accuracy of satellite image interpretation.

51

Table 2.1-10 Selection of survey areas (crustal movement/ground deformation)
Sites to be selected
1. Residential areas affected bysubsidence

ReasonResidential areas experiencing subsidence
due to the earthquake

2. Harbor facilities affected by subsidence(industrial and fishing ports)

Harbor facilities experiencing subsidence
due to the earthquake

3. Previous beach sites

Popular bathing beaches were washedaway.
Popular scenic and historic spots were
washed away.

4. Previous scenic and historic spots

5. Diastrophism caused by earthquake
vibration (new residential area)

Crustal movement related to theearthquake caused extensive damage in
new hillside residential areas.

6. Sediment damage(landslides, landslips, etc.)
7. Liquefaction (residential areas)

The earthquake caused landslides andlandslips.
Residential areas were heavily damaged
due to liquefaction caused by theearthquake.
Common land was damaged due toliquefaction caused by the earthquake.
The surface of the earth moved(horizontal motion, uplift and subsidence)
due to the earthquake.

8. Liquefaction (common land)
9. Movement of the earth’s surface(horizontal and vertical)

Site
Kesen district, Rikuzentakata City,
Iwate
Watanoha district, Ishinomaki City,
Miyagi
Hachinohe City, Aomori (industrial andfishing ports)
Kamaishi City, Iwate (industrial andfishing ports)
Kesennuma City, Miyagi (industrial andfishing ports)
Nehama Beach (Kamaishi City, Iwate)
Yuriage Beach (Natori City, Miyagi)
Takatamatsubara (Rikuzentakata City,
Iwate)
Remains of Nobiru Harbor(Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi)
Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi(Midorigaoka district)
Yamamoto Town, Miyagi (Taiyo New
Town)
Marumori Town, Miyagi
Shirakawa City, Fukushima
Itako City, Ibaraki
Urayasu City, Chiba
Mihama Ward, Chiba City, Chiba (Inage
Seaside Park)
Document analysis

Figure 2.1-69 Harbor affected by subsidence in Kesennuma City, Miyagi(Photo courtesy of Asia Air Survey Co., Ltd.)52

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －(3)

Artificial-structure damage surveys

Damaged artificial structures were selected as typical sites of devastation caused by earthquakes andtsunamis based on the conditions and reasons shown below. For each condition, two or more sites will beobserved to verify the accuracy of satellite image interpretation.
Table 2.1-11 Selection of survey areas (damaged artificial structures)
Sites to be selected
1. Bay-mouth breakwaters

2. Coastal levees

3. Floodgates

ReasonAlthough significant amounts of time andmoney were spent constructing breakwaters
in preparation for massive waves, thesestructures were destroyed by the tsunami.
Many coastal levees built to protect
residential areas from tsunami weredestroyed and washed away, resulting in
extensive damage.
Floodgates built to protect urban areas fromtsunami were destroyed and washed away,
resulting in extensive damage.

4. Breakwaters and quays at
industrial ports
5. Breakwaters and quays at fishing
ports

Many local facilities of pivotal industries
were washed away.
Many facilities related to the region’s majorindustry of fisheries were destroyed andwashed away.

6. River banks

River banks were destroyed by the tsunami
running along rivers.

7. Roads

Many roads were closed due to flooding andlandslides caused by the tsunami.

8. Bridges

Many bridges located at the mouths of rivers
were washed away by the tsunami.

9. Railroads

Many railroads and stations were washedaway by the tsunami.

10. Aquaculture facilities

Many aquaculture facilities (fish preserves,
rafts, longlines, etc.) established in bays
along the coast were destroyed and washedaway by the tsunami.
Municipal government buildings serving asbases for local government were damaged.

11. Municipal government buildings
12. Other public facilities
13. Large-scale retail facilities
14. Facilities for people requiringsupport in the event of a disaster15. Fire damage in urban areas
16. Other wooden structures

Public facilities such as prefectural hospitals
and fire stations were damaged.
Large-scale retail facilities serving anunspecified number of customers weredamaged.
People requiring support in the event of adisaster were particularly affected.
Urban areas were destroyed due to fires
caused by the earthquake.
An old dam was destroyed by theearthquake, and the community in the lower
reaches of the river was damaged.

Site
Breakwaters at the mouth of Kamaishi
Bay in Iwate
Breakwaters at the mouth of Ofunato
Bay in Iwate
Otsuchi Town, Iwate
Ofunato City, Iwate
Iwaizumi Town, Iwate (floodgate at themouth of the Omoto River)
Miyako City, Iwate (floodgate at themouth of the Tsugaruishi River)Kuji Port in Kuji City, Iwate
Sendai Shinko in Sendai City, Miyagi
Kuwagasaki fishing port in Miyako City,
Iwate
Kesennuma fishing port in Kesennuma
City, Miyagi
Rikuzentakata City, Iwate (Kesen River)
Ishinomaki City, Miyagi (Kitakami River)
Watari Town, Miyagi (Abukuma River)
National Route 45 (Miyagino Ward,
Sendai City － Tagajo City)
Joban Expressway (Mito IC － Naka IC)
Kesen Bridge (Rikuzentakata City,
Iwate)
Rokko Bridge (Namegata City, Ibaraki－ Hokota City)
Rikuzentakata Station (JR Ofunato Line)
Higashimatsushima City (JR Sengoku
Line)
Yamada Bay, Iwate
Ofunato Bay, Iwate
Kesennuma Bay, Miyagi
Otsuchi Town Hall in Iwate
Rikuzentakata City Hall in Iwate
Minamisanriku Town Hall in Miyagi
Takata, Iwate Prefectural Hospital
Iwate Prefectural Otsuchi Fire Station
Sendai Airport (Natori City, Miyagi)
Sanriku no Sono special nursing home
for the elderly (Ofunato City, Iwate)
Kesennuma City, Miyagi (residential
areas)
Ichihara City, Chiba (complexes)
Sukagawa City, Fukushima (Fujinuma
Dam)

53

Figure 2.1-70 Minamisanriku Town, Miyagi

Figure 2.1-71 Natori City, Miyagi

Damaged town hall
(Photo courtesy of Asia Air Survey Co., Ltd.)(4)

Overview of flooding at Sendai Airport(Photo courtesy of Asia Air Survey Co., Ltd.)

Satellite image usage survey
Organizations that actually utilized satellite images will be interviewed to clarify how they were used andwhat benefits they brought. Based on the results, a summary of user opinions regarding ideal image
provision channels, timing, continuity and analysis support in addition to data usage will be made.
Organizations to be interviewed include municipalities, universities and research institutions,fisheries/agricultural cooperatives and other associations, private corporations and NPOs.
(5)

Identification of problems
The results of the surveys will be used to determine objects/conditions that are easy or difficult to identify

in images, and to clarify optimal methods of satellite image provision to users. Based on this, current
problems will be pinpointed and countermeasures for them formulated.
2.1.7.2 Evaluation of image analysis results(1)

Analysis of flooded areas using PALSAR data
Immediately after the disaster, intensive observation using the PALSAR satellite was started in light of its

ability to perform observations in any weather conditions. Based on the data obtained (listed in Table
2.1-12), ongoing analysis of flooded areas was carried out.

Table 2.1-12 List of PALSAR data used for flood zone analysis
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6

54

Observationdate
2011.3.13
2011.3.23
2011.3.26
2011.4.1
2011.4.7
2011.4.18

Incidence angle/orbit46.6 / Asc
50.0 / Dsc
28.8 / Asc
34.3 / Asc
34.3 / Asc
34.3 / Dsc

Date of previous
data2008.6.21
2009.11.12
2010.11.20
2010.9.20
2010.11.20
2011.3.3

Incidence angle/orbit47.8 / Asc
41.5 / Dsc
34.3 / Asc
34.3 / Asc
34.3 / Asc
34.3 / Dsc

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －The results indicated that PALSAR had the capacity for successful analysis of flooded areas if appropriate
observation conditions were provided.

Ortho-/gradient-corrected SAR intensity images, normalized

difference images and GoogleEarth images from before the earthquake were used to identify flooded areas.
Here, normalized difference images can be found using the following equation:
NDIF = (DN1 -DN2) / (DN1 + DN2)
Where NDIF is a normalized difference image, DN2 is a DN value for a pre-disaster PALSAR image, and
DN1 is a post-disaster DN value. The normalized difference allowed identification of flood zones andfacilitated analysis of areas that were difficult to deal with using SAR intensity images alone. GoogleEarthimages from before the earthquake were also used to check pre-disaster land cover and support theidentification of flooded areas.
A number of findings were obtained from the image analysis. First, it was learned that the use of imagesof paddy fields taken during the planting and growing seasons (around from May to July) should be avoided.
This is because many tsunami-hit areas are located on plains where paddy fields grow, and when PALSAR
data obtained during the rice planting and growing seasons are used for pre-disaster images, it is difficult todiscriminate between tsunami-flooded areas and land covered with water used to irrigate paddy fields. Rainthat fell during or immediately before observations created puddles in areas from which floodwaters had
receded, and these were misidentified as flooding. In terms of PALSAR observation conditions, it was
found that a large incidence angle could cause reduced accuracy in image analysis due to the influence ofrange ambiguity, and that a small incidence angle could also impair accuracy due to low spatial resolution.
Figure 2.1-72 shows a flooded-area identification image and a normalized difference image as examples of
PALSAR data.

ⓒJAXA/METI

Figure 2.1-72 Examples of results from PALSAR-based flood analysis(left: identification image; right: normalized difference image)55

2.1.8

Summary

After the Great East Japan Earthquake, JAXA conducted disaster monitoring using the Advanced Land
Observing Satellite “Daichi” and enlisted the help of international organizations involved in disastermonitoring (such as the Disaster Charter and Sentinel Asia), thereby contributing to efforts made bynational/local government bodies to collect information and support relief operations.
Top priority was given to emergency observation of affected areas using Daichi, and 643 satellite images
were obtained.
In reciprocation for Daichi’s active international contribution to relief efforts in previous major disasters
elsewhere, intensive observation was conducted in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake by 14
countries and regions using 27 satellites through the framework of international cooperation, which
includes organizations such as the Disaster Charter and Sentinel Asia. As a result, approximately 5,700
satellite images were provided.
These images were processed and analyzed by JAXA to facilitate usage by disaster management
organizations, and were provided to ten ministries, agencies, organizations and municipalities, including
the Cabinet Secretariat and the Cabinet Office for disaster management.
The images were analyzed in various ways by institutions and researchers around the world, and theinformation obtained was shared extensively through the framework of the Disaster Charter, Sentinel
Asia, Geo-Supersite and other organizations.
The images were utilized to determine the extent of damage over wide areas that could not be viewed
from the ground or from aircraft, and to plan disaster countermeasures.
Approximately 80 analyzed images were provided to various organizations after the Great East Japan
Earthquake. The Daichi Bosai WEB site received as many as 1,500 hits from central government
ministries/agencies and local governments.
The Cabinet Office sent letters of thanks to the Disaster Charter and Sentinel Asia.













Figure 2.1-73 Letters of thanks from the Cabinet Office to the Disaster Charter and Sentinel Asia

56

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －Based on the provision of disaster images, the following observations were made:When large-scale disasters like the Great East Japan Earthquake strike, satellite image products
comparing pre- and post-disaster conditions are very useful primary information sources in the initialstages of response to determine the extent of the damage. Superimposing geospatial information (e.g.,place and street names) onto satellite images and recent images taken in the months before the disaster inparticular enhances the usefulness of such data.

Daichi images provided useful extensive aerial views to support information collection immediately after
the disaster.

In terms of the division of roles, airplanes and helicopters were intensively used to observetsunami-damaged coastal areas, while nadir observations by Daichi over extensive inland areas
significantly contributed to the surveying of landslide-related damage.



In response to the nuclear power plant accident triggered by the tsunami, satellite observation was usefulin enabling ongoing unmanned monitoring of areas affected by high radiation levels.



Planar crustal movement and inland areas at high risk of landslides could be determined using only datafrom Daichi, which is equipped with L-band SAR and optical sensors and is capable of observing
extensive areas.

Interferometric SAR images enabled identification of changes over the entire Tohoku region and helped
to clarify that the cause of subsidence along the Pacific coast was not local surface ground contraction
but extensive settlement resulting from the sliding of the earthquake source fault along the plateboundary.



In addition to the monitoring of crustal movement triggered by inland active faults and volcanic activity
resulting from earthquake-related changes in stress, local crustal movement stemming from inland
aftershocks was also identified. In this way, observation data helped to clarify the fault mechanisms ofseveral aftershocks.



A combination of SAR and optical images was needed to improve data interpretation accuracy. As
stereoscopic observation is also effective, stereovision was used to investigate damage from landslides.



Repeated satellite observation over a long period of time was important in identifying changes in theaffected areas. Japan’s satellites play an important role in this regard.

International organizations such as the Disaster Charter and Sentinel Asia serve to increase observation
frequency. In particular, the European Space Agency (ESA) highlighted the activities of the Disaster
Charter and GEO in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Through the Disaster Charter, commercial high-resolution satellites were used to assess the conditions ofcollapsed buildings, determine the extent of damage to roads and railways and carefully monitor thesituation at the nuclear power plant.



As it was impossible to determine conditions after the nuclear power plant accident using visible lightand SAR images alone, infrared radiation sensor and other temperature detection data were needed.

57

2.2

Communications satellite-based activities

2.2.1

KIZUNA (WINDS)

2.2.1.1 Overview and characteristics of KIZUNAThe KIZUNA Wideband InterNetworking engineering test and Demonstration Satellite (WINDS) was
jointly developed by JAXA and the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology(NICT) and launched on February 23, 2008. It is designed to support the development and demonstration oftechnologies and to perform related demonstration testing, thereby contributing to the formation of anadvanced information and communications network society without disparities in data availability throughoperation in conjunction with ground-based infrastructure.
KIZUNA follows an orbit above the equator at 143 degrees east longitude, and is equipped withmulti-beam antennas (MBAs) featuring fixed multi-spot beams covering Japan and Southeast Asia and an
active phased array antenna (APAA) that covers a wide area with scanning beams (see Figure 2.2-1). Its
switching equipment enables signal switching on board the satellite itself.
KIZUNA features the following characteristics of ordinary geostationary communications satellites:

Wide coverage area: Covers almost a third of the earth’s surface without geographical restriction.



Broadcast: Information is simultaneously received within the coverage area.

Disaster resistance: Networks are not affected by disasters, and line setting is easy.
KIZUNA also has the following characteristics that make it superior to conventional communications

satellites:

Ultra-high-speed satellite communications (155 Mbps for the 45 cmφ small antenna and 1.2 Gbps forthe 5 mφ antenna):
Its small antennas supporting ultra-high-speed communications are especially useful in setting up
temporary lines. For this purpose, JAXA operates portable VSAT and portable USAT user terminals(see Figure 2.2-2).

Communications without links to a hub station with half the conventional delay time:
By halving the delay time of conventional satellites that use a hub station for communications, KIZUNA
allows videoconferences to be conducted with minimal interference.

IP (Internet Protocol) interface highly compatible with ground equipment:
The interface with the earth station is IP-based, and the ability to use commercially available devices as
ground equipment allows the adoption of inexpensive modern instruments.

By way of example,

videoconferences, wireless LAN, IP telephones and PCs can be connected with no special interface
arrangement.


KIZUNA’s own communication specifications provide outstanding data security and make interceptiondifficult:
Existing communications satellites frequently use the Ku band or lower, whereas KIZUNA uses thehigh-frequency Ka band. The unique communication protocol specifications used provide outstanding
data security.

58

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －JAXA utilized these characteristics and conducted basic experiments to analyze the fundamental
performance of the communication network system and on-board equipment and to perform demonstration
tests. The results indicated that KIZUNA is suitable for use in a variety of fields such as emergency
communications, the bridging of digital divides, distance learning and telemedical services.

Figure 2.2-1 Image of KIZUNA in orbit and coverage areas

Figure 2.2-2 Examples of KIZUNA experimental stations

59

2.2.1.2 Background to the provision of communication lines in affected areas


















60

March 11, 2011: JAXA scheduled disaster drills involving the use of KIZUNA on March 12 and 13 on
Sado Island in Niigata along with NPO Aichi Net, Ibaraki Rescue Support Bike and Kanagawa Rescue
Support Bike in conjunction with Sado City. The Great East Japan Earthquake hit when JAXA staff
were near the ferry terminal in Niigata on the way to Sado Island, and the drills were cancelled.
March 12: In response to an earthquake with a seismic intensity of 6 upper in the Chuetsu area of Niigata,an arrangement for the provision of communication lines using KIZUNA was discussed with theprefectural staff in charge of disaster management at the Niigata Prefecture Disaster Countermeasures
Office (Niigata Prefectural Government Disaster Prevention Center). However, it was found that noareas had been left without communication lines in the prefecture, and JAXA asked them to contact
municipalities in coastal Tohoku instead. It was possible to reach the Fukushima Prefecture Disaster
Countermeasures Office, but not the corresponding offices in the prefectures of Iwate and Miyagi.
Plans to provide communication lines to Fukushima Prefecture were abandoned due to the unpredictablesafety situation brought about by the nuclear power plant accident in the region.
March 15: A request was received from the Iwate Prefecture Disaster Countermeasures Office (Morioka) forthe provision of communication lines using KIZUNA to support information sharing and Internet usage, as
telephone and other communication systems were congested at the Kamaishi on-site disaster countermeasuresoffice (Wide-area Coastal Promotion Bureau). After consultation with JAXA and the Ministry of Education,
Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the Chief of the Disaster Management Office at the
Department of General Affairs in Iwate Prefecture asked the Director-General of MEXT’s Research andDevelopment Bureau to support the securement of communication lines using KIZUNA.
March 15: The Director-General of MEXT asked the President of JAXA to fulfill this request. In response,
safety in field activities was confirmed with the staff in charge from the Disaster Management Office of the
Department of General Affairs at the Iwate Prefecture Disaster Countermeasures Office, and the Tsukuba City
Disaster Countermeasures Office was asked to issue emergency passes because the Tohoku Expressway wasclosed to the public. JAXA also asked Iwate Prefecture to secure accommodation, provide official vehicles
and issue certificates that would give the Agency priority in purchasing gasoline.
March 16: At a meeting of JAXA’s Disaster Countermeasures Office, a decision was made to provide
KIZUNA services to Iwate Prefecture.
March 17: Communications equipment and five staff members were dispatched to the field.
March 18: Equipment was transported to the Prefecture Disaster Countermeasures Office (Morioka), andearth station facilities and communications equipment were installed.
March 19: Earth station facilities and communications equipment were installed at the on-site disastercountermeasures office (Kamaishi). Connection between the two offices was confirmed.
March 20: Communication service was started using the line of communication between the Prefecture
Disaster Countermeasures Office (Morioka) and the on-site disaster countermeasures office (Kamaishi).
March 22: Due to problems with communication lines for the on-site disaster countermeasures office(Wide-area Coastal Promotion Bureau) in Ofunato City, the Prefecture Disaster Countermeasures Office
asked JAXA to provide communication lines using KIZUNA in order to support information sharing andInternet usage. After consultation with JAXA and MEXT, Chief of the Disaster Management Office of
the Department of General Affairs in Iwate Prefecture asked the Director-General of MEXT’s Researchand Development Bureau to support the securement of communication lines using KIZUNA.
March 22: The Director-General of MEXT asked the President of JAXA to fulfill this request.
March 23: Communications equipment and one staff member were dispatched to the on-site disastercountermeasures office (Wide-area Coastal Promotion Bureau) in Ofunato City.

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －







March 24: The staff member dispatched to provide communication lines in Kamaishi joined in withwork at the on-site disaster countermeasures office (Wide-area Coastal Promotion Bureau) in Ofunato
City, installing earth station facilities and communications equipment.
The provision ofcommunication lines to connect the three offices started.
April 24: As business communication lines for the on-site disaster countermeasures offices (Wide-area
Coastal Promotion Bureaus) in the cities of Kamaishi and Ofunato were mostly restored, the provision ofcommunication lines using KIZUNA was ended in coordination with the Prefecture Disaster
Countermeasures Office and MEXT.
April 25: Earth station facilities and communications equipment were removed from the three offices.

2.2.1.3 Communication modality and results of communication line usage
Figure 2.2-3 shows a schematic representation of support offered by JAXA to disaster areas in Iwate
Prefecture through the provision of communication lines using KIZUNA. A portable VSAT unit installed at
the Iwate Prefecture Disaster Countermeasures Office (part of the Iwate Governor’s Office) was connectedusing KIZUNA with portable USAT and VSAT units installed at the local disaster countermeasures offices in
the cities of Kamaishi and Ofunato. Additionally, the High Data Rate VSAT (HDR-VSAT) at the TsukubaSpace Center was designed to connect with public Internet networks, and connections were established fromthese support bases.

Figure 2.2-3 Schematic representation of support offered by JAXA to disaster areas in Iwate
Prefecture through the provision of communication lines using KIZUNAIn addition to the portable VSAT/USAT experimental stations, the support bases were also equipped withan all-in-one unit of disaster-related equipment and supplies (peripheral communication equipment, including
an L3 switch and a TCP accelerator, housed in a general-purpose rack), a videoconferencing system,
application equipment for wireless LAN access points and other items. These were used forvideoconferencing, Internet services and other purposes. Photos and schematic representations of antenna
installation locations at the support bases are shown below.

61Figure 2.2-4 Outdoor unit (ODU) installed at the Iwate Governor’s Office

Figure 2.2-5 Schematic representation of equipment installed at the Iwate Governor’s Office62

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －Figure 2.2-6 Outdoor unit (ODU) installed at the Kamaishi Coastal Regional Development Bureau

Figure 2.2-7 Schematic representation of equipment installedat the Kamaishi Coastal Regional Development Bureau63Figure 2.2-8 Outdoor unit (ODU) installed at the Ofunato Coastal Regional Development Bureau

Figure 2.2-9 Schematic representation of equipment installedat the Ofunato Coastal Regional Development Bureau
Videoconferencing
As part of JAXA’s support activities, the videoconferencing systems installed at the support bases were used for
information sharing by disaster countermeasures offices. The details of their usage are outlined below.

64

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －At the Prefecture Disaster Countermeasures Office, support activities were engaged in not only by
prefectural government employees but also by staff dispatched from other prefectural governments,
government ministries and agencies (e.g., the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, theMinistry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications,
the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, and the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF)) and otherorganizations. Accordingly, liaison and coordination meetings were held almost daily at the Prefecture
Disaster Countermeasures Office for two purposes: 1. to share information on sanitary conditions at
evacuation sites, the living conditions and needs of disaster victims, the status of search operations for missing
people, and other considerations; and 2. to solve problems toward expedited recovery and reconstruction
efforts. The information shared and the decisions made by the prefectural government at these meetings andother gatherings took time to reach local disaster countermeasures offices in coastal areas, and much moretime was needed until the information was shared with smaller local countermeasures offices.
To address this delay issue, local disaster countermeasures offices and the Prefecture Disaster
Countermeasures Office were connected by a videoconferencing system via KIZUNA so that local officerepresentatives could participate in the liaison and coordination meetings held by the prefectural government
from their own offices. In this way, the videoconferencing system supported real-time information sharing
and opinion exchanges with the prefectural government.
The system was well received by staff at local disaster countermeasures offices, who highlighted its
usefulness for promptly communicating the state of devastation in coastal areas to the prefectural government.
Specific advantages mentioned include superior voice and image clarity (of a level that allowed small print on
the screen to be read) compared to the web conference system previously used by the Iwate Prefectural
Government, and the capacity for real-time transmission of videos captured from helicopters above coastal
areas and other resources.

Figure 2.2-10 Liaison and coordination meeting held by the prefectural government(center: videoconferencing system)
Internet services
As part of JAXA’s support activities, wireless LAN access points were set up at support bases to connect
to public Internet lines by linking to HDR-VSAT installed/operated in Tsukuba using KIZUNA. At thePrefecture Disaster Countermeasures Office in Morioka City, a wireless LAN access point was set up in theroom next to the disaster countermeasures office (where the videoconferencing system was installed) for use

65

by staff dispatched from supporting organizations. In particular, pre- and post-earthquake images from theDaichi satellite (PALSAR and AVNIR) showing coastal areas of Iwate were downloaded at high speed fromthe Daichi Bousai WEB via KIZUNA for use in planning debris removal work and to help visualize the statusof removal progress.
At the local disaster countermeasures offices in Kamaishi and Ofunato, a wireless LAN access point andthree Internet-enabled laptops were installed in the entrance lobby, which was open to the public. These
units were used by disaster victims and individuals dispatched to coastal areas by various organizations toassist with support activities.
During the period of provision from March 20 to April 24, these Internet services were used by 538 people
at the disaster countermeasures office in Kamaishi and by 1,252 in Ofunato. Changes in the number ofInternet users are shown in Figure 2.2-11. On average, 18.6 people per day used the services in Kamaishi,
and 43.1 in Ofunato. The laptop usage rates at the support bases exceeded 50 percent almost all day long,indicating high demand for Internet services.

Figure 2.2-11 Changes in the number of Internet users
Usage of the Internet services by staff who were dispatched by organizations to coastal areas to assist in
support activities included accessing web-based e-mail to report to their organizations and checking
restoration conditions of available means of transportation and roads to destination, and routes to take.
Usage by the general public until about two weeks after the disaster was generally to check people’s safety
and obtain information on disaster-related matters such as evacuation sites, evacuees and the extent of thedevastation. In particular, city government website lists showing the names of those affected by the disasterwere heavily accessed every day, despite the availability of the same lists in paper form. The prompt
information updates and powerful search capabilities of the Internet are believed to have been behind the large
user numbers seen. Two weeks after the disaster onwards, Internet usage was more to collect information on
everyday living, such as that relating to the issuance of disaster victim certificates, the status of restoration
efforts for daily utilities like electricity, gas and telephone lines, applications for temporary housing, housing
units for rent, used cars, hospitals/schools and job openings. This usage demonstrates how the type of
information sought by disaster victims changes with time from matters relating to the disaster itself to thoseconcerning living environments.

66

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －Figure 2.2-12 Internet provision to the general public (left: Kamaishi City; right: Ofunato City)
2.2.2

KIKU No. 8 (ETS-VIII)

2.2.2.1 Outline and characteristics of KIKU No. 8
The KIKU No. 8 Engineering Test Satellite VIII (ETS-VIII) is Japan’s largest geostationary satellite. Its
purpose is to contribute to today’s increasingly networked information society through the development ofstate-of-the-art satellite common base technologies and technological development of satellite communication
systems for future space activities. It was launched using an H-IIA rocket on December 18, 2006.
The satellite’s primary mission is to support verification of the following new developments:
1. Technology for an advanced 3-ton-class spacecraft bus in geostationary orbit
2. Technology for large deployment antennas (size: 19 m × 17m)
3. Technology for a mobile satellite communication system using mobile terminals, and for a mobile satellite
digital multimedia broadcasting/communication system enabling transmission of images and high-quality
voice data
4. Basic technology for a geostationary satellite positioning system
The satellite has the characteristics outlined below.
Installation of two tennis-court-sized (19 m × 17 m) large deployment antennas (reflectors)
JAXA verified the technologies for deploying a large deployable structure on orbit and using large
deployment antennas. Currently, only Japan and the U.S. have these technologies.
 Mobile satellite communication technology
Large deployment antennas enable the establishment of communication links with small-scale groundcommunication terminals. Such satellite communication terminal equipment is highly portable, meaningthat communication lines can be easily set up even if land-based communication networks are disrupted.
This portable equipment uses a TCP/IP interface, and is therefore compatible with commercially available
network devices. Ultra-small mobile terminals allow direct communication with KIKU No. 8 with thefunctionality of transmitting and receiving positioning data and transmitting messages, making it an effective
tool in times of disaster. It can also serve as terminal equipment to transmit and receive sensor information
relating to remote locations.
* With regard to the verification of mobile satellite communication technology, an abnormality in the low
noise amplifier (LNA) in the S-band receiving system for mobile communication made the experiment usinglarge deployment antennas on the receiving side difficult. Accordingly, the originally planned experiment
was continued by increasing the output of ground communication terminal equipment, connecting to an
external antenna, and using an alternative antenna on the satellite side for reception.


67

Technology for one of the world’s largest geostationary satellites and common bus technology
KIKU No. 8 is a 3-ton-class satellite － one of the world’s largest － in geostationary orbit, and thecommon satellite bus technology for it was verified. The DS2000 bus system used for KIKU No. 8 has also
been adopted for the First Quasi-Zenith Satellite MICHIBIKI, the Meteorological Satellite HIMAWARI andother overseas commercial satellites.
 Technology for geostationary satellite positioning technology systems
The basic technology for a geostationary satellite positioning system using an atomic clock was verified.
The results were also used for the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS).

JAXA verified that the mobile satellite communication technologies of KIKU No. 8 could be applied in avariety of fields through in-orbit technical evaluation efforts (such as experiments to clarify the characteristics
of large deployment antennas) and various experiments in mobile satellite communication. These included
verification testing for disaster preparation training using portable communication terminal equipment andultra-small mobile terminals, and experiments involving the transmission and receipt of medical informationin preparation for disaster situations.
Figure 2.2-13 shows a conceptual diagram of mobile communication and positioning systems that use
KIKU No. 8.

Figure 2.2-13 Conceptual diagram of mobile communication and positioning systems using KIKU No. 8

68

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －2.2.2.2 Chronicle of events in the provision of communication lines to disaster areas
The following is a chronicle of events in the provision of communication lines to disaster areas following
the Great East Japan Earthquake.
 March 15: In response to the quake of March 11, 2011, JAXA began studying the possibility ofproviding disaster areas with communication lines using communication terminal equipment for KIKU
No. 8, whose operation had been suspended. Concurrently, the Agency began coordinating with partner
businesses toward securing sufficient staff to confirm the integrity of this equipment, and with otherinstitutions involved in experiments using KIKU No. 8 to secure satellite lines on an ad hoc basis.
 March 16－18: Tests to confirm the integrity of communication terminal equipment were implemented.
The dispatch of personnel by partner businesses and the securement of communication lines using KIKU
No. 8 were coordinated.
 March 18: The integrity tests showed that the equipment would function properly, thereby paving theway for the provision of satellite channels in disaster areas.
 On the same day, preparations were made to move into action with a complete set of communicationequipment and supplies. A support system was put in place through coordination to dispatch staff fromJAXA and partner businesses and by securing satellite channels on an ad hoc basis.
 March 19: JAXA attempted to contact municipalities in Miyagi Prefecture that had sustained heavy
damage, but with little success. No requests for communication line support were made because
communication disruption was minimal in the few municipalities the Agency was able to contact.
 On the same day, the difficulty of communicating information on the effective use of KIKU No. 8 todisaster areas prompted JAXA to make inquiries to NPO Aichi Net, with which it enjoys collaborative
relationships in regard to KIZUNA, disaster prevention drills and other matters.
 March 20: Via NPO Aichi Net staff who were dispatched to Ofunato City in Iwate Prefecture, JAXA
received a request from Ofunato City Hall to use KIKU No. 8.
 March 22: Ofunato City Hall asked the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology(MEXT) to secure a means of communication using the KIKU No. 8 Engineering Test Satellite VIII.
On the same day, MEXT asked JAXA to provide support to secure a means of communication using thesatellite based on this request.
 March 23: JAXA dispatched two staff to Ofunato along with communication equipment and supplies.
 March 24: In the morning, equipment and supplies were delivered to Ofunato City Hall, ETS-VIII
portable communication terminal equipment and antennas were installed, and satellite channels between
Ofunato and the Tsukuba Space Center were established. Communication lines were opened in theafternoon, and were used to provide the disaster countermeasures office with a way of collecting
information via the Internet and IP phone for business use.
 April 2: JAXA received a similar request for communication lines from Iwate’s Otsuchi Town Central
Public Hall, which served as the disaster countermeasures office and as an evacuation site. Late in theafternoon on the same day, equipment, supplies and two staff members were dispatched to the site.
 April 3: Equipment and supplies were installed at Otsuchi Town Central Public Hall, and communication
conditions were checked.
 April 4: Satellite channel provision began in Otsuchi Town, with lines mainly being used for two
purposes: 1. allowing evacuees to collect information on people’s safety over the Internet; and 2.
enabling disaster countermeasures office staff to perform their duties.
 Midnight, April 7: One of the largest aftershocks since March 11 struck (seismic intensity: upper 6).

69















April 8: Aftershocks caused power failures in Ofunato City and Otsuchi Town, and mobile phones also
became temporarily unusable. JAXA provided Internet service via KIKU No. 8 using portable
generators.
April 10: In response to the recovery of most Internet connections at the disaster countermeasures officein Ofunato, JAXA ended support via KIKU No. 8 after discussions between the disaster countermeasuresoffice and MEXT.
April 21: The provision of communication lines using KIKU No. 8 was ended at Otsuchi Town Central
Public Hall after Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) set up temporary Internet
connections.
April 22: JAXA received a request from the Onagawa Town Disaster Countermeasure Office in Miyagi
Prefecture to use communication lines provided via KIKU No. 8.
April 25: Three staff members were dispatched to the site along with communication equipment andsupplies.
April 26: Equipment and supplies were installed at the Kaisenkaku evacuation site in Onagawa Town’s
Takashirohama district in the morning, and communication lines via KIKU No. 8 were opened in theafternoon. The facilities were used primarily by evacuees to collect information on everyday living via
the Internet.
May 12: The provision of communication lines using KIKU No. 8 in Onagawa’s Takashirohama district
was ended after the Widely Integrated Distributed Environment (WIDE) Project began providing
IPSTAR broadband satellite Internet services at the evacuation site.
May 13: The equipment and supplies in Onagawa were removed.

2.2.2.3 Communication modality and results of communication line usage
To confirm the integrity of communication terminal equipment, interfaces were inspected using the video
transmission system (a setup with a proven track record for peer-to-peer transmission of image and voice datausing KIKU No. 8) to evaluate the overall performance of related equipment in addition to checking of individnal terminal. Initially, JAXA examined the idea of offering support by providing communication lines
using the proven video transmission system. However, the feasibility of providing Internet connections was
also checked to maximize the benefits of using KIKU No. 8 in disaster areas. This approach was taken in
response to the lack of information about needs in these areas and the limited availability of resources in termsof capacity to operate the video transmission system, equipment and supplies, staff numbers andcommunication lines to be provided.
Although JAXA had no experience of Internet connection trials using KIKU No. 8 communication
terminal equipment, such lines were found to offer the advantages of enabling Internet and IP phone usage
from multiple PCs despite limited data transfer rates. The simplicity of operation compared to that of thevideo transmission system was also considered an advantage. As the first attempt confirmed that KIKU No.
8’s communication terminal equipment could also be used to provide Internet connections, two modality
types were set up to enable the use of the video transmission system and Internet connections. Ultimately,
JAXA provided Internet connections using KIKU No. 8 in line with disaster-area needs for information
gathering over the Internet. The details of preparations made in Tsukuba are outlined in Figure 2.2-14.

70

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －Confirmation of functions in Tsukuba/ preparation

Figure 2.2-14 Preparation details
Figure 2.2-15 shows a schematic representation of support provided for disaster areas via communicationlines using KIKU No. 8 in the prefectures of Iwate and Miyagi, and Figure 2.2-16 outlines the Internet
connections provided using the satellite.
ETS-VIII portable communication terminal equipment, antennas, laptops and other equipment were
provided to Ofunato City and Otsuchi Town in Iwate Prefecture and Onagawa Town in Miyagi Prefecture,
while ETS-VIII portable communication terminal equipment for disaster areas connected to Internet networks
was set up at the Tsukuba Space Center. Internet service was made available to disaster areas by connecting
them with Tsukuba via KIKU No. 8.

71Figure 2.2-15 Outline of support for disaster areas via the provision of communication lines using
KIKU No. 8 in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake

Figure 2.2-16 Outline of Internet connection provision using KIKU No. 872

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －(1)

Usage at Ofunato City Hall in Iwate Prefecture
Communication lines were used at Ofunato City Hall’s disaster countermeasures office for the provisionof Internet and IP phone services. Two PCs and three IP phones were installed for this purpose.
In terms of communication infrastructure, Ofunato City Hall had only a few voice lines as of March 24
when JAXA offered communication support, and needed Internet connections to enable information
gathering.
The Internet service provided at the disaster countermeasures office was widely used, and the office
informed JAXA that the connections provided enabled information collection and were therefore very useful.
As the IP phones also had less delay than satellite-based mobile phones, they were considered easy to use.
While satellite-based mobile phones use the double-hop system, KIKU No. 8 allows direct IP
communication using the single-hop method, and this is considered to be a factor behind the reduced delay.
On March 25, the establishment of Internet connections using KIKU No. 8 was announced at a regular
Ofunato City Government press conference.
Late at night on April 7, one of the largest aftershocks since March 11 struck (seismic intensity: upper 6),
disrupting the restored power and communication infrastructure until April 8. While power supplies were
cut off and mobile phones and other appliances were unavailable, JAXA provided Internet connections using
the previously arranged portable generators. This service enabled information collection at the disastercountermeasures office.
The installation and usage of communication terminal equipment in Ofunato City are described below.

Table 2.2-1 Installation and usage of communication terminal equipment in Ofunato City

Support site

Support period

Service line, etc.

Usage:

Notes

・Two notebook
collection of information by thecomputers available
disaster countermeasures office・Three IP phones
・Collection of information
available
released by the Japan
Meteorological Agency*Downloads provided at・Collection of information using
384 Kbps between April 4
aerial photography released by
and 10 thanks to frequency
the Geospatial Information
sharing with Otsuchi
Authority of Japan
Town, Iwate.
・Simulated tsunami information(existing)→ Comparison of hazard maps
and actual damage from thedisaster・Searching of disaster-related
ordinances
・Reading of news and use of
e-mail function
Network situation on the first day of support in Ofunato City Hall (March 24)
・Fixed-line telephone and Internet services: not available (date of re-installation was unknown)
・Satellite mobile telephone lines: 3 (provided by NTT)
・Telephone and fax for disaster use only: 1 (connections were limited)
・Mobile phone lines: Only NTT Docomo was available thanks to its special base station (frequent congestion)
・Radio communications for communicating with the fire service and police, radio communications for police, and radio
communications for the Self-Defense Forces were introduced.
Ofunato City,
Iwate
DisastercountermeasuresofficeMarch 24 －April 10(18 days)

Upload rate: 384 Kbps
Download rate: 768/384
Kbps (*)

73

Figure 2.2-17 Ofunato City Hall (left: outside; right: local countermeasures office)(Access to the roof)(Installation on the roof of City Hall)(Generators used during power failure on April 8)

Figure 2.2-18 Communication equipment installed (left: 90 cm φ portable antenna;
center: portable communication terminal equipment; right: portable generators)

KIKU No. 8 IP phones
Figure 2.2-19 Usage at the countermeasures office74

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －Figure 2.2-20 Use of communication lines during power failure on April 8(rooftop generator operation due to power failure in the office)Figure 2.2-21 Tsunami damage (near Rikuzentakata City)

Figure 2.2-22 Urban area of Ofunato City
(2)

Usage at Otsuchi Town Central Public Hall in Iwate Prefecture

In Otsuchi Town, communication lines were provided at the disaster countermeasures office, which
doubled as an evacuation site, and were primarily used to offer Internet services to disaster victims. As of
April 4 (the day when communication lines were first opened), five special NTT satellite telephone lines were
provided at the town’s Central Public Hall as communication infrastructure for the general public. In
conjunction, JAXA provided communication lines exclusively for Internet access and installed three PCs.
The facilities were primarily used by disaster victims and disaster relief support staff to collectinformation on people’s safety, research disaster-related matters (such as the issuance of disaster victim
certificates), browse the web and send e-mail.
On April 8, the day after one of the largest aftershocks since March 11 struck, satellite channels were75

provided using portable generators.
The installation and usage of communication terminal equipment are described below.
Table 2.2-2 Installation and usage of communication terminal equipment in Otsuchi Town
Support site

Otsuchi Town,
Iwate
Central PublicHall

Support period

April 4 －April 21(17 days)

Service line, etc.

Upload rate: 384 Kbps
Download rate: 768/384
Kbps (*)

Usage:

provision of Internet service for
evacuees
・Collection of information on
people’s safety and evacuees
・Collection of information on*Downloads provided at
evacuation sites
384 Kbps between April 4・Collection of disasterand 10 thanks to frequency
information and news
sharing with Ofunato City,
browsing
Iwate. Downloads from・Confirmation of disaster victim
April 11 provided at 768
certificates and insurance
Kbps.
details・Cancellation of electricity,
telephone, gas services, etc.
・Utilization of e-mail function
Network situation on the first day of support at Otsuchi Town Central Public Hall (April 4)・Special satellite telephone lines provided by NTT: 5・Mobile phone lines: available (service limitations due to line congestion and access failure)・Internet service for evacuees: not available

Central Public Hall roof

Notes・Three notebook
computers available
An average of 20 －30 users per day utilized
the service.

Access to the roof

Figure 2.2-23 Communication equipment and other devices installed(left: antenna; right: equipment and supplies)

Figure 2.2-24 JAXA PCs for Internet access and special NTT telephone lines installed in the lobby ofCentral Public Hall76

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －Figure 2.2-25 Internet users(3)

Takashirohama Evacuation Site in Onagawa Town, Miyagi Prefecture

Communication lines were provided at the evacuation site in Onagawa Town so that evacuees could
access the Internet. As of April 25, general subscriber telephone lines in the town remained cut off, althoughmobile phone networks had been restored. Mobile phone connectivity at the Takashirohama evacuation sitewhere JAXA provided communication lines was poor due to its geographical location.
In the same way as for Otsuchi Town, Internet connections for public use were provided in Onagawa.
The service at the evacuation site was used to collect disaster-related information on matters such as theissuance of disaster victim certificates, and on everyday considerations such as used cars, second-hand boats
and ships, mail-order services for clothes and other commodities, and job openings. People also used theInternet to collect information specific to the area such as daily tide times, as earthquake-related subsidence
caused urban areas to flood during high tide. The installation and usage of communication terminal
equipment are described below.
Table 2.2-3 Installation and usage of communication terminal equipment in Onagawa Town

Support site

Support period

Service line, etc.

Usage:

Notes

・Three notebook
provision of Internet service forcomputers available
evacuees
・Collection of information on
An average of 20 users
temporary housing andper day utilized the
mail-order (clothes andservice.
furniture)・Collection of information on tidetables/post-disaster situations
and news browsing
・Collection of information on
used cars, boats and ships
・Confirmation of employment
opportunities and information
on hospitals and schools
・Cell-phone subscriptions andother general information on
everyday living
In response to a request from theevacuation site, the service isavailable between 14:00 and
21:00.
Network situation on the first day of support in Onagawa Town and at the Takashirohama evacuation site (April 26)
・Fixed-line telephone and Internet services: not available (re-installation in May)・Mobile phone lines: available (instability of radio wave environment)
・Rental cell-phones available for evacuees
Onagawa Town,
MiyagiTakashirohama
evacuation site,
Kaisenkaku

April 26 －May 12(18 days)

Upload rate: 384 Kbps
Download rate: 768 Kbps

77

Figure 2.2-26 Communication equipment and other devices installed (left: antenna; right: equipment and supplies)

Figure 2.2-27 Nighttime Internet service

Figure 2.2-28 Internet users

Figure 2.2-29 Onagawa Town (left: downtown area; right: commuter road (during high tide))(4)

Support results

A total of 15 staff from JAXA and partner businesses worked in rotation over a period of about twomonths from March 16 (when it was confirmed that communication equipment was working) to May 13

78

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －(when the equipment and supplies were removed), providing satellite channels in Tsukuba Space Center,
Ofunato and Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture and Onagawa in Miyagi Prefecture.
These channels were used to collect a variety of information in line with the requirements of the disasterareas, which ranged from governmental needs (such as the capacity for information gathering by disastercountermeasures offices) to those of the general public (such as the capacity for information collection toconfirm people’s safety at evacuation sites). JAXA offered flexibility in response to requests for the hours ofcommunication line provision to be extended.
Although the data transfer rates of KIKU No. 8 are limited, the high mobility and operability of related
communication terminal equipment highlighted the satellite’s important role in securing post-disastercommunication lines as part of initial response efforts. It was also clarified that the top priority for people indisaster areas was the provision of telephone and Internet functions rather than disaster-management
application. The provision of Internet connections over a long period further highlighted that usage patterns
shifted over time from operation to collect information on damage in the immediate aftermath of the disasterto gathering daily living information toward recovery.
The provision of communication lines using KIKU No. 8 (an R&D satellite) went smoothly even though
this was the first time it had been used to support disaster-related measures. It enabled the provision of
ongoing stable communication environments, except when operations were interrupted by bad weather(strong winds), over a period of approximately two months with almost daily aftershocks. There were no
personnel accidents or major issues with the satellite and related communication equipment/supplies during
this period.
The support sites fully tested the functions and performance of KIKU No. 8, and its high potential wasdemonstrated and utilized at the support sites as a result.
2.2.3

Summary

A digital divide issue emerged in northeastern coastal areas in the immediate aftermath of the Great East
Japan Earthquake. To help bridge this divide, JAXA provided the disaster countermeasures offices in Iwate
Prefecture and Onagawa Town in Miyagi Prefecture with communication lines using KIZUNA and KIKU No.
8. Changes in the overall state of damage to commercial communication lines and findings gained through
JAXA’s support activities for disaster areas and other matters are summarized below.
2.2.3.1 Communication infrastructure damage caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake
Communication infrastructure damage and related influences are summarized in Damage to Information
and Communications Infrastructure Caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Present Status ofRestoration (Reference Material No. 37-1-10) in the handout given at the 37th meeting of the Information andCommunications Council’s Information and Communications Policy Committee under the Ministry ofInternal Affairs and Communications. The statistics below are from this source.
Figure 2.2-30 shows the status of damage and congestion relating to fixed-line and mobile
communications. A total of 1.9 million landlines and 15,000 mobile phone base stations were damaged.
Figure 2.2-31 shows changes in the numbers of disconnected landlines and suspended mobile phone basestations between March 11 and May 6. It can be seen that immediately after the quake, both landline andmobile phone communications were possible in many areas. However, the problem worsened thereafter
because private generators at relay and base stations (i.e., control stations) were used due to power failures
after the quake, and disruption to landlines and base stations peaked once these units ran out of fuel (see79

Figure 2.2-32).
Figure 2.2-33 shows changes in the status of damage to communication lines in Iwate Prefecture 2 weeks,
1 month and 1.5 months after the disaster. At the two-week stage, lines were yet to be restored in 10
municipalities, including Kamaishi, Ofunato and Otsuchi, where JAXA provided communication facilities.
A month after the disaster, recovery still had not been achieved in parts of five municipalities, including
Kamaishi, Ofunato and Otsuchi Town. All lines were finally restored 1.5 months after the disaster.

Figure 2.2-30 Changes in communication damage and congestion caused by
the Great East Japan Earthquake

80Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －Figure 2.2-31 Changes in numbers of disconnected landlines and suspended mobile phone base stations

81

Figure 2.2-32 Locations of damage to mobile phone networks

Figure 2.2-33 Changes in damage to communication lines in Iwate Prefecture82

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －2.2.3.2 Findings from communication line provision work in disaster areas
Findings made through direct interaction with representatives of prefectural/local disastercountermeasures offices, disaster victims at these offices and staff dispatched from national/local government
bodies are summarized below.


Ideally, the quality of telephone and Internet services provided should match that of pre-disaster levels.
¾ Immediately after the disaster, facilities to communicate the need for emergency medical assistanceand to request help were considered more important than food, gas and water.
¾ In Iwate Prefecture, a lack of communication facilities delayed rescue work.
¾ Many survivors had mobile phones on their person, but PCs were mostly located in
washed-away/damaged houses and buildings. As a result, electronic communications weredifficult regardless of the status of Internet service recovery. In Kamaishi and Otsuchi in Iwate
Prefecture and Onagawa in Miyagi Prefecture, government buildings sustained tsunami damage,and the number of PCs available was limited as a result.
In tsunami-ravaged coastal areas, damage to base stations and overland cables caused an immediate
digital divide. In this regard, it is important for local governments to share information and broadcast
prompt reports on aftershocks, tsunamis and similar.
¾ Municipalities that could not be contacted immediately after the earthquake and tsunami had
suffered serious damage, and faced the worst conditions.
¾ In coastal areas of Iwate Prefecture, information on aftershocks and accompanying tsunami could
not be broadcast to local residents after the initial tsunami damage.
Information and communication lines in various forms are required depending on time, place and usage.
Generally, disaster victims and local government staff used telephones for different purposes.
Meanwhile, disaster victims used the Internet mainly to download information, while local government
staff used it to upload information from disaster areas.
¾ Earthquake/tsunami – 2nd week: Phone and Internet lines were disrupted.
9 Disaster victims
Used phone services to let people know they were safe and accessed the Internet to e-mail,locate other affected people and obtain information on the extent of the devastation. The
phone line capacity provided approximately matched the demand for the service.
9 Teams dispatched from municipalities and other organizations outside disaster areas
Used phone services to communicate with their activity bases and accessed the Internet to send
images of disaster areas to their home organizations and to check maps and road conditions attheir dispatch destinations.
9 Local government staff in disaster areas
Used phone services and the Internet to clarify situations and share information.
Communication lines were also used for videoconferencing between prefectural and local
disaster countermeasures offices. KIZUNA provided upload speeds of up to about 6 Mbps at
Kamaishi’s local countermeasures office (Iwate Coastal Regional Development Bureau).
¾ 2nd week after the disaster onward: Most phone networks were restored. Internet connections
with speeds matching those of communication cards provided by telecommunications carriers (i.e.,several hundred Kbps or more) were achieved.
9 Disaster victims and evacuation sites

83

9

9

Used Internet services to collect information on everyday living (e.g., procedures for disastervictim certificate issuance, evacuation sites, insurance coverage, cancellation of contracts foressential utilities, job openings, schools and used cars). KIKU No. 8 provided connection
speeds of up to about 768 Mbps at the evacuation site in Onagawa.
Teams dispatched from municipalities and other organizations outside disaster areas
Used phone services to communicate with their activity bases and accessed the Internet to send
images of disaster areas to their home organizations and to check maps and road conditions attheir dispatch destinations.
Local government staff in disaster areas
Used phone services and the Internet to clarify situations and share information.
Communication lines were also used for videoconferencing between prefectural and local
disaster countermeasures offices. KIZUNA provided upload speeds of up to about 6 Mbps at
Kamaishi’s local countermeasures office (Iwate Coastal Regional Development Bureau).

These usage details are summarized in Table 2.2-4 below.

TargetVictims

Table 2.2-4 Summary of communication line usage in disaster areas
Details

Evacuation sites

Dispatched teams

Municipalities indisaster areas

Local disastercountermeasuresoffice organizedNo local disastercountermeasuresoffice organizedPurposeCircuit capacity

Phone calls and e-mails to supportconfirmation of people’s safety

Double-digit kbps
upward (uploadand download)

Phone calls and Internet service tosupport confirmation of people’ssafety and collection of information
on damage and everyday living
Release of local information andsharing with organizations
dispatching teams, delivery ofimages and collection of map
information
Internet service to collect, share andrelease information,
videoconferencing to share
information

KIKU No. 8
provision: 768kbps upward

Internet service to collect, share andrelease information

Notes

Phone service is essential for
victims to confirm people’ssafety and make emergency
calls.
Evacuation sites in Otsuchi
Town, Iwate and Onagawa
Town, Miyagi

Several Mbps
upwardThe circuit capacity between
evacuation sites and local
municipalities is used to deliver
local images.

KIZUNA
provision: 6
Mbps upward

Iwate Prefecture Disaster
Countermeasures Office andlocal countermeasures offices in
Kamaishi and Ofunato (Coastal
Regional Development Bureau)
Ofunato City Hall, Iwate

KIKU No. 8
provision: 768kbps upward

The successful provision of communication lines using KIZUNA and KIKU No. 8 demonstrated the
direct applicability of results from previous related JAXA experiments and training programs. The satellite
network provided by KIZUNA and KIKU No. 8 along with commercial communications satellites served
government bodies and other organizations in disaster areas. This is a clear indication that satellite networks
are a necessary supplement to terrestrial lines, which by themselves may be inadequate. Terrestrial networks
are vulnerable to major disasters like the March 11 calamity due to possible disconnection of communication
cables and destruction of base stations. To protect human life and property, satellite network systems and the
supplementary connections they provide are essential. In light of the serious damage and extreme hardships
suffered in areas where communications were cut off immediately after the disaster, there is an urgent need to
examine the future of information and communications technologies for improved disaster-preparedness inJapan.

84

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －3. JAXA activities as viewed by other institutions
3.1 JAXA-related media coverage

JAXA’s response to the Great East Japan Earthquake (including emergency observation of afflicted areasusing the Daichi satellite and provision of communication facilities using KIZUNA and KIKU No. 8) was
widely covered in the media, as outlined in Table 3.1-1.
Table 3.1-1 Media coverage of JAXA activities
Date
published
March 15
2011
16

Media published

Type

18

23

Headline/content
Earthquake images of damaged areas from JAXA’s
Advanced Land Observing Satellite “Daichi”
released
Additional emergency observations in the Tohoku
region conducted using JAXA’s Advanced Land
Observing Satellite “Daichi”

Yahoo NewsWeb-

goo News

Web-

Yomiuri Online

Web-

Tsunami-hit house drifts 20 km out to sea

7

Satellite
Daichi image provision
Daichi image provision
Daichi image provision

goo News

Web-

Nikkei BPnet
ITpro

Web

-

NHK News

Web-

Drifting caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake
Daichi image provisionextends as far as 20 km out to sea
Great East Japan Earthquake: JAXA emergency
Daichi image provisionobservation shows crust shifted 3 m
JAXA releases online results of disaster-area crustal
movement observation conducted using the Advanced Daichi image provision
Land Observing Satellite
KIZUNA disaster-area
Trial satellite provides disaster-area news
news provision

Nihon Keizai
ShimbunNewspaper/evening

10

JAXA uses high-speed-data communication satellite
for damaged areas

KIZUNA disaster-areanews provision

Kahoku Shimpo

Newspaper/morning

1

Daichi satellite captures Rikuzentakata’s lost scenic
site of Matsubara

Daichi image provision

Nihon Keizai
ShimbunNewspaper/morning

30

Specialist analysis of satellite images reveals changes Daichi image provisionin Pacific coastline

Iwate Nippo

Newspaper

Iwate Nippo

Newspaper

4

Yahoo NewsWeb‐

Nikkan Kogyo
ShimbunNewspaper

response.jp

Web‐asahi.com

Web‐

Mainichi
Newspaper

Newspaper/evening

Nikkan Kogyo
ShimbunNewspaper

19

Fuji Sankei
Business i.

Newspaper

6

Denkei Shimbun

Newspaper

3

Nihon Keizai
ShimbunWeb‐

Yomiuri Shimbun Newspaper/morning
17

Page
no.

Iwate University team identifies clear collapse andflooding in satellite images
Great East Japan Earthquake: Japan Aerospace
Exploration Agency supports communications between
Kamaishi City and prefectural government by satellite
Great East Japan Earthquake: JAXA opens KIZUNA
communication system to damaged areas
Great East Japan Earthquake: JAXA installs antennas
in Iwate to allow use of KIZUNA (internetworking
satellite)
Great East Japan Earthquake: JAXA opens KIZUNA
communication system to damaged areas

Daichi image provision

Daichi satellite images show aftermath of tsunami
along Fukushima coast

Daichi image provision

KIZUNA disaster-areanews provision
KIZUNA disaster-areanews provision
KIZUNA disaster-areanews provision
KIZUNA disaster-areanews provision

Great East Japan Earthquake: Daichi satellite data
Daichi image provision
show Oshika Peninsula shifted 3.5 m eastward
Great East Japan Earthquake: JAXA dispatches five KIZUNA disaster-area
staff to install antennas in Iwate for KIZUNA
news provision(internetworking satellite)
Great East Japan Earthquake: tsunami leaves mark
Daichi image provision
over a wide area
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications asks KIZUNA disaster-area
NTT Docomo and KDDI for 324 and 144 rental
news provisionsatellite phones
JAXA uses KIZUNA (high-speed-data
KIZUNA disaster-areacommunication satellite) for damaged areas
news provision

27 TV Asahi’s Sunday
Front Line
28 Nihon Joho Sangyo
ShimbunTV‐

Massive tsunami engulfs huge embankment

Daichi image provisionNewspaper

2

KIZUNA disaster-areanews provision

Denkei Shimbun

Newspaper

3

NICT provides broadband lines to support disastercountermeasures
Tohoku Region Pacific Ocean Coastal Earthquake:
JAXA supports damaged areas by providing
engineering test satellite, terminal equipment for
KIKU No. 8, to Ofunato CityKIKU No. 8
disaster-area news
provision

85

Date
published
29

April
2011

Media published

Type

Page
no.

Ibaraki Shimbun

Newspaper

18

Land shifts 3.5 m eastward

Fukushima Minyu
ShimbunNewspaper

3

Tohoku shifts up to 3.5 m eastward; Date area moves Daichi image provision1m

TV Asahi, Yajiuma
TV!

TV

‐

Victims’ beacon of hope: single pine tree survives

30

Nikkan Kogyo
ShimbunNewspaper

25

31

Nihon Keizai
Shimbun website

Web‐

Tokai Shimpo

Newspaper

3

JAXA supplies 3 PCs to joint government withultra-high-speed network service free of charge

KIZUNA disaster-areanews provision

Jiji.comWeb‐

Underutilized data with overly tight secrecy;
specialists request release and use of information

Daichi image provision

Yomiuri Shimbun Newspaper/morning

11

Immediate relief for communication-network
protection requested

KIZUNA disaster-areanews provision

Nikkei Sangyo
ShimbunNewspaper

1

Space News(TV Tokyo)

TV‐

MYCOM Journal

Web‐

FridayMagazine‐

Toward disaster recovery: on-site research and efforts Daichi image provision
by stronger universities required
JAXA HQ supports Great East Japan Earthquake
recovery, astronaut Furukawa reveals details of space Daichi, KIZUNA andtraining (appearance by Futoshi Takiguchi, Manager, KIKU No. 8
Disaster Management Support Systems Office)Electrical abnormality found on Advanced Land
Observing Satellite “Daichi” － an important part Daichi, KIZUNA andof efforts to analyze damaged areas after the GreatKIKU No. 8
East Japan Earthquake
Observing Satellite Daichi captures earthquake’s
Daichi image provisioneffects － shocking images of land sliced off

Space News(TV Tokyo)

TV‐

Nikkei BP Online

Web

-

1
3
8
19
21

22

29
May
2011

15
18
24

June
2011

Daichi image provision

Ofunato Internet service restored with JAXA’s KIKU KIKU No. 8
disaster-area news
No. 8.
provision
Nikkei Shimbun homepage displays animated images Daichi image provision
taken by Daichi satellite

Daichi after the Great East Japan Earthquake; last shot Daichi image provision
to finish operations
JAXA team operates KIZUNA (high-speed-datasatellite) to support Internet services from space
Great earthquake and space technology － a practicallyinvisible Japanese satellite; secrecy constitutes a barrier
to Daichi’s provision of rough images
Daichi, KIZUNA and KIKU No. 8 contribute to GPS
and other types of private use

KIZUNA disaster-areanews provision
Daichi image provisionNewspaper/morning

12

15

Fuji TV’s
Mezamashi TV

TV‐

Daichi observation images show geomorphic changes Daichi image provisionand subsidence after March 11 earthquake

Kahoku Shimpo

Newspaper/morning

4

Daichi before/after disaster photos to be released on
the Internet tomorrow

Daichi image provision

Asahi Shimbun

Newspaper/morning

Space School, do you support earthquake disasterreconstruction even from space?

Daichi, KIZUNA andKIKU No. 8

Weekly Shincho

Magazine‐

Daichi, KIZUNA andKIKU No. 8

Wirelesswire News

Web‐

Japanese
Government
Internet TV

Science Delivery Service － an unseen rising sun;hidden space development
ICT specialists from a range of fields publish report
entitled The Great Earthquake and Information
Communication, its Roles and its Future

Web‐

Tokumitsu & Kisa’s Learn about Japan! Saving theearth － space science technology to save lives

Daichi image provision

2

2
25

3.2

Daichi image provision

Nihon Keizai
Shimbun28
August2011

11

Satellite

12

30
July
2011

Yomiuri Shimbun Newspaper/morning

Headline/content

Daichi, KIZUNA andKIKU No. 8

Daichi, KIZUNA andKIKU No. 8

Usage of JAXA satellite by other institutions

Images of disaster-stricken areas captured by Daichi were also used by institutions other than JAXA in
response to the disaster. Examples of Daichi observation data usage by non-JAXA institutions are outlined
below.
3.2.1

Earth observation satellite-based activities

3.2.1.1 Tohoku Region Pacific Ocean Coastal Earthquake Emergency Mapping Team (EMT)
To promote uniform understanding of the situation nationwide, a group of volunteers from the Research86Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －Center for Disaster Reduction Systems at Kyoto University’s Disaster Prevention Research Institute andothers formed the Emergency Mapping Team (EMT) and began mapping activities in collaboration with
officials in charge of disaster management at the government’s Cabinet Office. The maps were madeavailable on the EMT website (Figure 3.2-1).
The EMT engaged in the activities outlined below to promote uniform understanding of various types ofdamage and responses nationwide.


Visualization of the situation over a wide area based on information mapping

Visualization based on information mapping for prefectural coordination of related activities



Visualization based on information mapping to support activities at major disaster sites requiring
immediate response
As part of its activities, the EMT developed and published maps based on images captured by Daichi.

Figure 3.2-1 EMT map-distribution website(http://www.drs.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/emt/)
3.2.1.2 Tohoku Regional Environmental Office (Ministry of the Environment) and Yokoyama Spatial
Information Research Center
From July 1, 2011, to March 31, 2012, the Ministry of the Environment’s Tohoku Regional Environmental
Office used its website to publish post-disaster images taken by Daichi during six individual periods after theGreat East Japan Earthquake and pre-disaster images in collaboration with partner institutions on anindustry-academia-government program to support the use of Daichi images in the Tohoku region. Thisinitiative was coordinated by the Tohoku Regional Environmental Office with the Yokoyama Spatial
Information Research Center in charge of planning and project management, and enjoyed the collaborationand partnership of the Ministry of the Environment, JAXA, the Tohoku Construction Association, the Iwate
University Center for Regional Collaboration in Research and Education, and NEC Software Tohoku, Ltd.

87

Figure 3.2-2 Tohoku Regional Environmental Office website showing images of disaster areas(Access requires guest login from http://tohoku.env.go.jp/to_2011/0701a.html.)
3.2.1.3 Sinsai Info
Sinsai.info is a collaborative platform developed to support reconstruction in the aftermath of the Great
East Japan Earthquake. The website was built using Ushahidi (a crowdsourcing tool also adopted in avariety of fields when a major earthquake struck New Zealand in 2011), and is managed by volunteer
developers, data managers and contributors from OpenStreetMap Japan and OpenStreetMap Foundation
Japan.
Moderators in charge of incident report content received via the web, e-mail and Twitter checksubmissions and post them to the site.
When a request for help with printing satellite image maps created from Daichi data on A0-size paper wasposted on the sinsai.info website, Hewlett-Packard Japan Ltd. and Tezukayama Gakuin University’s Facultyof Liberal Arts provided support.

Figure 3.2-3 The Sinsai Info website(http://www.sinsai.info/)

88

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －Figure 3.2-4 Report on large-format printing of satellite image maps
made from Daichi data on the sinsai.info website
3.2.1.4 NTT Data Corporation and RESTECNTT Data Corporation and the Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (RESTEC) collaborated on
the creation of satellite image maps of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures to help reconstruct areas
devastated by the Tohoku Region Pacific Ocean Coastal Earthquake. The maps have been published on
websites and elsewhere since March 31, 2011 (shown on the left of Figure 3.2-5).
The satellite image maps created using pre- and post-disaster images captured by Daichi and the Thailand
Earth Observation Satellite (THEOS) consist of coordinate data in Geo PDF format, and were developed bylaying map information showing roads, public facilities and other data over satellite images (shown on theright of Figure 3.2-5).

Figure 3.2-5 Satellite image map website (left) and one of the satellite image maps published (right)(http://www.nttdata.co.jp/tohoku_map/index.html)

893.2.1.5 PASCO Corporation
Immediately after the March 11 earthquake, PASCO Corporation began work to clarify the nature andextent of the devastation and provide related information. To achieve this, it engaged in multi-platform
observation using various resources including TerraSAR-X (an earth observation satellite with an X-band
SAR antenna), an optical satellite, airplanes and vehicles for ground-based evaluation (Figure 3.2-6). For
the optical satellite platform, emergency observation images captured by Daichi were used.

Figure 3.2-6 Multi-platform response(1)

Use of pre-disaster images(a) Use of pre-disaster images as a base for superimposition of analysis results
PASCO superimposed the outcomes of analysis for various satellite images onto pan-sharpened ortho
images developed using Daichi data, and provided the results to disaster countermeasures organizations andother institutions (shown on the left of Figure 3.2-7).
(2)

Use of post-disaster images(a) Use of post-disaster images to draw up detailed tsunami flood hazard maps
PASCO drew up detailed tsunami flood hazard maps for wide areas stretching from Aomori down to
Ibaraki using satellite images, including data captured by TerraSAR-X and Daichi, aerial photographs andother resources. The results were provided to the Prime Minister’s Official Residence, the Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and other disastercountermeasures organizations, research institutions, academic societies, private enterprises, media and otherorganizations (shown on the right of Figure 3.2-7).
(b) Use of images to clarify changes in coastal forests
Using AVNIR-2 images captured before the earthquake on February 27, 2011, and after it on March 14,
2011, PASCO confirmed that the earthquake-triggered tsunami had exerted a significant adverse effect oncoastal forests in terms of both activity and density/area. The results were publicized at a meeting of theJapan Society of Erosion Control Engineering held from May 18, 2011.
(c) Use of images in materials showing examples of satellite use
PASCO developed large-format images (up to 2.8 m wide) by superimposing the flood hazard maps
described above onto ALOS (Daichi) data captured on March 14, 2011, (showing areas from southern Aomori
to northern Ibaraki) for distribution. The Daichi images in the materials showed the extent of tsunami
damage, sea surface turbidity, tsunami-related flotsam and other features. The product was well received by90

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －various groups, including disaster countermeasure organizations within the national government andelsewhere and the news media.

Figure 3.2-7 Use of pre-disaster images (left), flood hazard map (right)
3.2.2

Communication satellite-based activities

3.2.2.1 National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)In response to a request for assistance from the Tokyo Fire Department on March 13, the National Instituteof Information and Communications Technology (NICT) transported equipment and supplies, including a
portable Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT), to Kesennuma City on March 14. Using KIZUNA, it
subsequently began providing broadband network connections between the Emergency Fire Response Team
Command Support HQ (local headquarters) in Kesennuma and the Tokyo Fire Department’s Earthquake
Preparation Section in Tokyo’s Otemachi area on March 15. This allowed real-time two-way transmissionof high-quality images, communication of information on the state of the devastation using high-definition
images and so forth between the two groups. As a further advantage over telephone usage, the provisionalso supported the inspection of visual resources such as images and maps, thereby contributing to efficient
sharing of information between the sites.

Figure 3.2-8 NICT support for disaster response activities using KIZUNA(http://www2.nict.go.jp/pub/whatsnew/press/h22/announce110316/index.html)

91

4. Challenges and future tasks
4.1 Challenges
Since JAXA’s 2005 announcement of its long-term vision, the organization has promoted satellite
application to disaster management and verified related technologies in its role as Japan’s Space Applications
Mission Directorate for pursuing the innovative utilization of space resources. Against this backdrop, theAgency reviewed the current situation and related challenges in the context of the March 2011 earthquake andtsunami － a disaster on a scale never before experienced in the country.
4.1.1

Challenges concerning satellite image provision

JAXA discussed its provision of satellite images in relation to data captured by Daichi based on feedback
regarding their use by government ministries and agencies involved in disaster response and otherorganizations. As a result, the tasks outlined below were identified as challenges to be addressed.
1) Reinforcement of systems for image processing, analysis and other tasks to respond to the government’s
information collection requirements
JAXA’s activities to verify the feasibility of using ALOS in disaster management work are focusedon the provision of information to the Cabinet Office and other government ministries and agencies, andits work following the March 11 disaster yielded concrete results. Close collaboration between the
Disaster Management Support Systems Office (DMSSO) and the Earth Observation Research Center(EORC) enabled the provision of information that met both the requirements of JAXA’s data users andnew needs, such as that for the identification of flooded areas and tsunami flotsam.
However, both DMSSO and EORC have manpower-related limitations in terms of processing,analyzing and providing such enormous numbers of images. To support a more timely supply of awider range of information in the future, it is necessary to establish a structure for image processing,analysis and provision involving not only DMSSO and EORC but also external institutions.
2) Establishment of activity bases to help disaster-stricken local governments
JAXA’s activities to help disaster-stricken local governments in the Tohoku region were supported by
Iwate University Professor Emeritus Ryuzo Yokoyama, with whom JAXA had built a collaborative
relationship over the five years prior to the disaster. In future work, JAXA needs to establish similar
activity bases in other regions, and particularly in Kyushu, where it currently has no such facilities.
3) Responses during the blank period until the launch of Daichi’s successors
Experience gained from disaster drills and satellite image usage in non-disaster times supported thesmooth provision and use of information in the aftermath of the March 11 catastrophe. Now that
Daichi’s operations are complete, it is imperative to examine responses to user needs during the period
until the launch of its successor satellites.

It is important for people to use satellite images in

non-disaster times, and it is essential for JAXA to maintain its relationships with users based on timely

92

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －and specific steps for collaboration with overseas institutions, the utilization of airplanes and otherrelated efforts.
4.1.2

Challenges concerning support for disaster areas based on communication line provision

JAXA provided communication lines in disaster areas using KIZUNA and KIKU No. 8 for use by local
government bodies, local residents and people from disaster-related institutions elsewhere. The challenges
and lessons outlined below were identified from these activities.
1) Prompt provision of communication lines immediately after the disaster

Clarification of the basic idea behind the provision of support and criteria for taking action

Securement of a means of quickly transporting personnel, equipment and supplies to disaster areasEstablishment of preliminary systems necessary for the above two points and partnerships withdisaster and crisis management organizations



Sharing of information with staff dispatched to disaster areas and clarification of thechain-of-command structure/operational flow2) Information services in disaster areas

Ideally, the quality of telephone and Internet services provided should match that of pre-disasterlevels.



As coastal areas suffering tsunami damage experience an immediate digital divide, broadcast
communication is important for checking the safety of local residents, sending prompt reports onearthquakes/tsunami, and engaging in other related activities.



Information and communication lines with different capacities are necessary for different locations
and situations.
・Small capacity for disaster victims and evacuation sites
Phone and Internet environments to enable checking of people’s safety
・Medium capacity for dispatched teams
Dispatch of Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) members after 100 minutes of the disaster;
provision of Internet connections for communication between DMT headquarters or dispatchedteams or others and the Emergency Medical Information System (EMIS)
・Large capacity for local governments in disaster areas
Communication environments for phone calls, Internet access and videoconferencing

3) Autonomous communication equipment
Communication equipment for quick installation in disaster areas (minimized weight and size)Improved ease of installation and operability

Lower communication equipment prices

93

4.1.3

Challenges concerning the dispatch of information

The challenges outlined below were clarified in regard to the lack of public awareness of JAXA’s
activities in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
1) Need for provision of information on JAXA’s disaster response efforts as part of its voluntary Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives


JAXA concentrated its efforts on business continuity, including responses to disaster management
organizations. On the whole, it is considered that the Agency had only a shallow awareness of theneed for active dispatch of information on its responses to the disaster.

2) Securement of adequate manpower and accumulation of knowledge on specific facilities and equipment


It is necessary to secure sufficient manpower to analyze images, post data and explanations on
websites, respond to the media and more. There is also a need to share information regarding image
analysis and the dispatch of data.



Knowledge must be enhanced in relation to image analysis for secondary disasters such as damage tomajor facilities like nuclear power plants and industrial complexes.

3) Enhancement of information services for stakeholders


Little information on JAXA’s responses to the disaster was dispatched to stakeholders.

4) Reinforced, faster dispatch of information to the media


On March 12, the day after the disaster, there was high demand for satellite images showing the extent
of the devastation caused by the earthquake and tsunami. However, these resources could not beprovided on the day.

The nuclear power plant issues that surfaced in the evening of March 12 gave rise to high demand fornuclear power plant images. Although JAXA’s PR staff released images captured by Daichi to thepress, the demand was specifically for pictures of the nuclear power plant, regardless of whether or notthey were captured by Daichi.

There was low awareness of the division of roles by which Daichi observed wider areas while
overseas high-resolution satellites and airplanes engaged in focused observation.

5) Enhanced collaboration with institutional users and external organizations (dispatch of information, data
analysis)

The Geospatial Information Authority of Japan immediately dispatched information on its utilizationof images captured by Daichi after the Great East Japan Earthquake, but such dispatch by otherinstitutional users collaborating regularly with JAXA took time in line with their individual situations.

94

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －4.2

Future tasks

4.2.1

Basic idea behind the provision of support for disaster areas

4.2.1.1 Basic stance
In its role as an institution implementing R&D to enhance people’s safety and security, JAXA makes
constant efforts in non-disaster times to leverage its resources so that the necessary support can be provided
when disasters strike.
4.2.1.2 Responses to requests from the government and other institutions
As JAXA is not a designated public institution, it contributes by providing research and development
results and other relevant information within the bounds of such institutions’ social obligations. It remains
committed to its best efforts to engage in support activities in disaster zones once the safety of these areas andthe feasibility of such work has been confirmed.
4.2.2

Improvements to be made for satellite image provision

Daichi’s observations were unfortunately halted by a power issue on April 22, 2011, and its operation wasended on May 12, 2011. The land-observing satellite had been operated beyond its design lifetime of three
years and its target lifetime of five years, and its period of service ended after its important work in observing
disaster-stricken areas following the Great East Japan Earthquake. As natural disasters will continue tooccur, JAXA plans to take the steps outlined below in order to strengthen its response capabilities based on
lessons learned from the March 11 disaster.


Early launch of Daichi’s successors (the Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 (ALOS-2) with
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and the Advanced Land Observing Satellite-3 (ALOS-3) with opticalsensors) for the use of improved wide-ranging and high-resolution observation technologies found tobe effective after the March 11 disaster. This is expected to enable greater accuracy in determining theextent of devastation via a combination of SAR and optical data, and in particular to enhance mobility
and facilitate detailed JAXA observation over wide regions on the day a disaster strikes － a task thatwas not possible with the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Achievement of the following specifications as requested by a disaster management-related
goverment organization (at the Space Activites Commission (SAC) on August 17, 2011)
・Observation width of 30－50 km to allow collection of images over the entire disaster zone formonitoring of flooded areas
・Resolution of 1 m to support identification of passable routes
・Resolution of less than 1 m to enable observation of damage to embankments, bridges and houses
・Wide observation width of 40－70 km for monitoring of crustal movement (e.g., earthquakes,
volcanic activity, subsidence and landslides) using InSAR analysis

Continuation of efforts relating to the Data Relay Test Satellite (DRTS) in light of its capacity tosupport instantaneous observation and data provision95

Promotion of R&D on new earth observation sensors in addition to optical sensors and radars to meet
new needs identified through response to the March 11 disaster (e.g., thermal change monitoring andtsunami observation)

Figure 4.2.1 Successors to Daichi (left: ALOS-2; right: ALOS-3)
The information JAXA provides to disaster areas and other sites using observation satellites must serve
the disaster countermeasure efforts of local governments and other organizations, who must be able tointerpret and analyze it together with local information. Accordingly, JAXA plans to establish regional bases(at universities and other institutions) in addition to promoting joint efforts with local governments and otherorganizations.
JAXA will also provide as much information as possible in disaster areas where such bases are notestablished.
 Development of strategic ties with the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, the National
Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention (NIED) and other nationally designateddisaster management organizations, and establishment of a structure incorporating private enterprises
and universities for a reinforced system of post-disaster work ranging from image processing to image
provision
 Establishment of regional bases with Kyoto University (Kinki region), Hiroshima Institute ofTechnology (Chugoku region) and other institutions similar to the base set up with JAXA
collaborative partner Iwate University (northern Tohoku region) toward the launches of ALOS-2 and
ALOS-3. Until such bases are established, JAXA will work in disaster areas in response to requests
from local governments while ensuring synergies between the operations of earth observation andcommunications.
It is also important for JAXA to effectively collaborate with overseas satellite operators rather than relying
solely on observations by ALOS-2 and ALOS-3, particularly in the event of catastrophic disasters over wide areas.
 Close work with disaster management and related organizations for increased use of the Disaster
Charter and Sentinel Asia in the event of domestic disasters. In this regard, JAXA will actively
request the activation of related initiatives when disasters strike Japan, and will coordinate withinstitutions concerned on related matters, including criteria for activation and schemes for image
utilization. The Agency will also use airplanes with Polarimetric and Interferometric Airborne
Synthetic Aperture Radar (Pi-SAR) and other systems. To support the use of airplanes, a structure ofoperational planning and management will be established.

96

Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －4.2.3

Improvements to be made in the provision of communication lines

Outlined below are improvements to be made in providing disaster areas with support using
communication satellites. Particular focus is placed on areas to be strengthened in terms of partnerships withlocal governments and other organizations and requirements to be addressed in the next generation of
information and communication satellites. The criteria for the provision of support and the establishment ofrelated systems are described in Section 4.2.5.
Strengthening of partnerships¾ Further promotion of the benefits of satellite communication line usage to local governments inrecognition of the fact that pre-arrangements regarding such provision in affected areas enables
smooth action in times of disaster¾ Consideration for the idea of lending communication equipment to nonprofit and otherorganizations where radiotelephone operator license holders are present to ensure continuous
provision of communication lines¾ Advance explanation of criteria and other guidelines for providing support to the Ministry of
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs
and Communications. This is based on the fact that JAXA will offer support to institutions withwhich it has not concluded collaboration agreements upon receipt of requests for assistance from
MEXT (as was the case with the March 11 disaster).



Fulfillment of requirements in the next generation of information and communication satellites
Requirements clarified as a result of support provision are outlined below. It is important toincorporate solutions into the next generation of information and communication satellites. Figure
4.2.2 shows a conceptual image of how such satellites might work.
¾

¾

¾

¾

Portable terminals that can be installed by one person
9 Wireless LAN-capable, portable in a backpack or briefcase
9 Assembly-free
9 Capable of automatic satellite alignment and establishment of Internet connection when poweris turned on
9 Compatible with existing terminals (e.g., mobile phones and commercial earth stations)
9 Unaffected by communication outages
Situation-based link capacity
9 Disaster victims, evacuation sites: best-effort capacity (KIKU No. 8: 768 kbps or more)
9 Local governments, dispatched-team activity bases: achievements (KIZUNA: 20 Mbps ormore)
Terminals with specifications appropriate for disaster areas
9 Ultra-low power consumption and operability with home-use batteries, onboard AC powersource or similar
9 Integrated power supply using solar cells and storage batteries
9 Durable outdoor equipment protected from water and wind erosion
No need for operators
9 No need for radiotelephone operator license holders
9 Management and control of terminals at related reference stations

97

Figure 4.2-2 Conceptual representation of next-generation information and communication satellites


Coordination of satellite positioning systems
At times of disaster, information on the geographical locations of those who send data is essential.
In the next generation of information and communication satellites, equipment and terminals shouldbe able to receive/use satellite positioning signals. Accordingly, the feasibility of transmitting suchinformation using advanced positioning signals should be examined in line with the direction of plans
involving quasi-zenith satellites.
Satellite communication and satellite positioning will play important roles in efforts to upgrade
terrestrial sensor networks and improve their robustness. By way of example, ocean-monitoring
sensors such as GPS wave meters (buoys) and water-pressure gauges will be upgraded for theestablishment of tsunami early warning systems. However, to allow the detection of displacement
and changes via installed offshore sensors, satellite communication and satellite positioning capability
should be upgraded to support related infrastructure.

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Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake－ Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites －4.2.4

Improvements to be made concerning information dispatch

Public provision of appropriate and timely news on JAXA’s social contribution activities in response
to disasters as part of its obligations to society. The Agency firmly positions such public
communication (including development of the related organizational climate) as part of its CSR.
 Prompt and widespread dispatch of information following large-scale disasters. For such provision,
staff in charge assemble in a dedicated disaster response control room immediately after the disasterand share information.
 Securement of sufficient manpower (including backup personnel) for data analysis and website
posting/updating Close collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)－ particularly concerning nuclear power stations
 Enhancement of knowledge regarding possible disasters that could cause large-scale damage tofacilities and the like, and examination of possible simulations and other related matters Examination of steps for dispatching information to stakeholders
 Enhancement of interest in and understanding of JAXA disaster response activities among journalists
through provision of regular lectures. (At times of large-scale disasters, presentations will be provided
frequently to support the active dispatch of information.) Active dispatch of information on activities such as those implemented after the March 11 disasterusing KIZUNA, KIKU No. 8, airplanes and the like, as opposed to simple provision of satellite
observation results Implementation of arrangements for media communications (e.g., notices on information posted on
websites) to enable the immediate dispatch of information, such as allowing the provision of data
through simple procedures or with ex post facto reports at times of large-scale disasters
 Efforts to encourage JAXA’s institutional users to raise public awareness of their work with the
Agency so that partnerships with such users will further develop into sustainable activities (with focus
on the successors to Daichi and KIZUNA) Examination of the following considerations as efforts to collaborate with external organizations forfaster image analysis and speedier/wider provision of information:¾ Establishment of a structure to support the mobilization of personnel for data analysis fromacademic societies, universities and other organizations based on agreements and similararrangements. Anticipated effects include the development of high-quality information productsthat cannot be produced by JAXA alone, further expansion of the satellite data user base, and thedispatch of information from researchers.
¾ Reinforcement of the structure for online delivery of emergency observation results to further
promote the dispatch of data in conjunction with private information providers based on
confirmation of the effectiveness of web-based provision¾ Requests for Japanese and international image analysis organizations to perform analysis for JAXA
on a chargeable basis


4.2.5

Development of disaster response manuals

JAXA plans to clarify the criteria for triggering disaster response activities in consideration of the scope oflarge-scale disasters and the extent of damage to its own facilities. Disaster response manuals will then be
developed with patterns tailored to suit levels of devastation (including plans to secure manpower) based on99

the examination of disaster operation reinforcement efforts (such as the provision of satellite image data andcommunication lines) and systems to ensure appropriate and timely dispatch of related information.

5. Summary
Following the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, JAXA assisted the government’s
Emergency Disaster Response Headquarters, central government ministries and agencies, local governments
and other related institutions in producing a full picture of the disaster. It also facilitated recovery efforts byproviding these organizations with images captured by Daichi and overseas satellites, and supplied related
analysis results as needed. The Agency further provided satellite communication lines using KIZUNA andKIKU No. 8 at disaster countermeasures offices and other places in Iwate Prefecture and Miyagi Prefecture’s
Onagawa Town as a temporary replacement for damaged terrestrial networks.
Through thesecommunication lines, it provided disaster areas with logistics support based on the temporary restoration ofInternet connections and IP phones, thereby allowing people to check the safety of others and collect a variety
of information. These activities were made possible by years of effort on JAXA’s part to promote satellite
application to disaster management, routine communication with disaster management organizations andother institutions, and participation in disaster prevention drills and other related events.
Six months after the Great East Japan Earthquake, many reports had been published by government agencies.
One issued by the Headquarters for the Reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake (Basic Policy on
Reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake; July 29, 2011) recognized once again the effectiveness ofsatellite application in wide-area disasters, and highlighted the need to strengthen satellite communication
capabilities and utilize satellite systems for various purposes, including clarification of the extent of damage.
Reports published by the Central Disaster Prevention Council and the Japan Meteorological Agency also
pointed out the need to reinforce tsunami observation and improve tsunami warning systems. In this regard,
JAXA sees a need to upgrade its satellite communication and satellite positioning technologies and to partnerwith parties involved in the monitoring of GPS buoys and water-pressure gauges.
In the government’s science and technology policy, reconstruction and recovery from the March 11
disaster and improved safety during future calamities were identified as key areas for attention. With thedevelopment of ALOS-2 and next-generation of information and communication engineering test satellites
positioned as specific policy measures, there are high expectations for satellites in the future.
The completion of Daichi’s operations as its service lifetime was exceeded has created a significant needin various fields for the early launch of its successors (ALOS-2 and ALOS-3). Moves toward thedevelopment of systems and structures based on the use of images captured by Daichi have also begun.
In this way, satellites have become indispensable tools for supporting safety and security in Japan.
However, they do not represent a silver-bullet solution, and their operation requires terrestrial equipment aswell as work by organizations and personnel. For satellites to become essential as a system in their own
right, JAXA must continue its close collaboration with disaster management organizations and overcome
challenges yet to be identified rather than simply implementing ongoing technological upgrades.
Finally, we at JAXA offer our sincere condolences to the families of those who perished in the disasterand our deepest sympathies to everyone affected. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to
all staff of the organizations concerned as well as to the Disaster Charter and Sentinel Asia for their guidance,
support and cooperation in JAXA’s responses to the disaster.

100Report on JAXA’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake− Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites −Report on JAXA’s Response to theGreat East Japan Earthquake– Assistance using earth observation satellites and communication satellites –






Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

March 2012
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency