[Press Release]
November 25, 2014

Distribution of Data from Advanced Land Observing Satellite 2 (Daichi-2/ALOS-2)
On November 25, 2014, the Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (hereafter"RESTEC") and PASCO CORPORATION (hereafter "PASCO") will jointly begin distribution ofdata from Advanced Land Observing Satellite 2 (Daichi-2/ALOS-2) and Advanced Land
Observing Satellite (Daichi/ALOS/PRISM)(*1) (hereafter "ALOS-2 data, etc.").
The ALOS-2 data, etc., to be distributed is distinguished by its usefulness for many applications,
including prompt and detailed grasping of the situation in natural disasters, grasping of thesituation in ground subsidence, monitoring of sea ice, and exploration for resources. This projectis being conducted as part of a larger project of operation of ALOS-2 and general distribution ofobservation data, as entrusted to the two companies by the Japan Aerospace Exploration
Agency (hereafter “JAXA”). The intent is to further the expansion of the utilization of the ALOS-2
data, etc.
(*1) Advanced Land Observing Satellite (Daichi/ALOS): A Japanese Earth observation satellite
operated from January 2006 to May 2011, performed high-precision global observations andhave contributed to creation and updating of maps, grasping of situations for disasters,
observation of local environments, etc. Of the three sensors installed on ALOS in this project, thedata from the Panchromatic Remote-sensing Instrument for Stereo Mapping (PRISM) sensor isto be sold.

Background
This project is contracted by JAXA to the consortium of RESTEC and PASCO. The purpose is
the operation of ALOS-2 and the general distribution of ALOS-2 data, etc. RESTEC is therepresentative organization, responsible for overall coordination and ALOS-2 mission operation,
while Space Engineering Development Co., Ltd. is responsible for satellite control. Meanwhile,
PASCO is the data seller, responsible for working with RESTEC to distribute ALOS-2 data, etc.

Features of the ALOS-2 data
High-resolution observations
ALOS-2 (PALSAR-2) offers higher-resolution observations compared to ALOS (PALSAR): it canresolve 1 m × 3 m in spotlight mode. Also, it can observe regardless of daylight or weather
conditions thanks to its utilization of synthetic aperture radar (SAR). This is useful for grasping indetail such things as the damage situation in natural disasters such as floods and volcano
eruptions which are prone to occur in the world.
Figure: Comparison of observation images between ALOS (PALSAR) and ALOS-2 (PALSAR-2)
Wide range of observation and improved frequency

http://www.pas c o.c o.jp/eng

Satellite Business Division
Nakano Central Park East, 4-10-1, Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo 164-0001,Japan
Telephone: +81-3-5318-1081 / Facsimile: +81-3-3319-4151

ALOS-2 is capable of lateral observation by tilting of the satellite's attitude. Compared to ALOS,
the range of observation has tripled to 2,320 km. Moreover, the repeat cycle has gone
dramatically down to 14 days. Along with other factors, this enables prompt observation.

How the ALOS-2 data will be distributed
The ALOS-2 data, etc. will be distributed through PASCO, RESTEC, and the representatives ofeach in Japan and overseas.
https://satpf.jp/
Figure: Comparison of observed images between ALOS (PALSAR) and ALOS-2 (PALSAR-2)“FUYO-1” SAR, 21 April 1992 (Resolution of about 18m)
“DAICHI” PALSAR, 27 April 2006 (Resolution of about 10m)“DAICHI-2” PALSAR-2, 19 June 2014 (Resolution of about 3m)

Contact
Satellite Business Division
PASCO CORPORATIONTEL: 03-5318-1081

http://www.pas c o.c o.jp/eng

Satellite Business Division
Nakano Central Park East, 4-10-1, Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo 164-0001,Japan
Telephone: +81-3-5318-1081 / Facsimile: +81-3-3319-4151