As JAXA’s first demonstrator to operate in the very low Earth orbit (VLEO), Super Low Altitude Test Satellite (SLATS) was launched on December 23, 2017. Through 111 days of VLEO operation, we successfully demonstrated key technologies such as orbit control and optical imaging and measured environmental data unique to VLEO. Nevertheless, several challenges remain to be resolved for practical applications: 1) Mission lifetime, 2) Quality of satellite data products and 3) Data transmission capacity. As the next step of SLATS to address these challenges, we are currently studying a new test satellite as a platform to realize various advanced missions in VLEO. Through a case study of high-resolution optical imaging, primary operational analyses have confirmed the system feasibility of the VLEO platform concept. Furthermore, research for underlying technologies is underway to support the system feasibility. By conducting environment-resistance experiments and verifications by analyses or prototypes, maturity levels have been improved for the following technologies such as high-thrust electric propulsion, high-efficiency power system, low-disturbance structure, and super-resolution technique. This paper introduces the flight achievements of SLATS and the current results of a conceptual study for the next VLEO platform.
Conceptual study of JAXA’s VLEO platform: flight results of super low-altitude test satellite (SLATS) and advancement towards practical applications
Small Satellites Systems and Services Symposium (4S 2024) ; 2024 ; Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Proc. SPIE ; 13546 ; 135461A
20.03.2025
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
EAGLEEYE TELESCOPE FOR VLEO APPLICATIONS
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