Radar

ALOS-4 (DAICHI-4)

ALOS-4 (DAICHI-4), launched by JAXA in July 2024, is an advanced Earth observation satellite equipped with the Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar-3 (PALSAR-3) being a L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).

ALOS-4 Satellite Capabilities

Advanced L-Band SAR Earth Observation for Land Deformation, Vegetation Monitoring, and Infrastructure Assessment

 

The ALOS-4 satellite, operated by JAXA, is the newest generation in Japan’s land observation program. It continues the mission of its predecessor, ALOS-2, with significant upgrades in spatial coverage, revisit frequency, and radar sensitivity for land-based monitoring.

ALOS-4 is equipped with a high-performance L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), capable of capturing precise Earth surface imagery regardless of weather conditions or lighting. It supports various observation modes including Stripmap, Spotlight, and ScanSAR, allowing targeted data acquisition for both local and wide-area applications.

With enhanced capabilities for interferometric SAR (InSAR), ALOS-4 is ideal for detecting land deformation, monitoring vegetation change, assessing infrastructure stability, and supporting sustainable land use practices in agriculture, mining, and urban development.

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Land & Terrain Monitoring

Tracks topographic changes, vegetation health, and land movement using L-band SAR for environmental and geospatial applications.

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Multiple Imaging Modes

Operates in Stripmap, ScanSAR, and Spotlight modes to balance resolution and coverage based on monitoring needs.

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High-Frequency Revisit Cycle

Improved temporal resolution allows for repeat observations every 14 days, essential for tracking gradual changes and early warnings.

Key Features and Benefits of ALOS-4

  • Equipped with next-generation L-band SAR for detailed monitoring of land deformation, slope instability, and infrastructure movement.
  • Supports interferometric SAR (InSAR) analysis, enabling accurate detection of ground displacement, subsidence, and fault shifts.
  • Multiple observation modes offer high-resolution (Spotlight) and wide-area (ScanSAR) acquisition tailored to application needs.
  • Provides consistent and reliable data in all weather and lighting conditions are ideal for long-term land and environmental monitoring.
  • High-frequency revisit cycle (every 14 days) enhances the ability to track seasonal vegetation trends and land surface dynamics.
  • Supports disaster response, agricultural planning, urban expansion monitoring, and natural resource management across diverse landscapes.

Sample imagery · 1 frame

See what ALOS-4 (DAICHI-4) can capture

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