description ALOS-2 Overview
ALOS-2 (Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2) is a Japanese Earth observation satellite operated by JAXA and launched in 2014. Equipped with an L-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensor, it can observe the Earth's surface day and night, even in adverse weather conditions. The spacecraft provides high-resolution imagery used for disaster damage assessment, environmental monitoring, and tropical rainforest mapping, successfully continuing the legacy of the original ALOS mission.
insights Ranking position
ALOS-2 ranks #24 of 187 in the Satellite ranking, behind GOES-19, ahead of NOAA-20.
help ALOS-2 FAQ
What improvements does ALOS-2's PALSAR-2 radar have over the original ALOS satellite?
ALOS-2 carries the PALSAR-2 instrument, an upgraded L-band synthetic aperture radar providing higher resolution imagery than the PALSAR on the original ALOS satellite, which operated from 2006 to 2011. ALOS-2 can image at resolutions down to 1 meter, compared to approximately 10 meters for its predecessor in standard mode. The satellite was launched by JAXA on May 24, 2014.
Why does ALOS-2 use L-band radar instead of X-band or C-band?
ALOS-2's L-band radar operates at longer wavelengths than X-band or C-band systems, giving it superior penetration through vegetation canopy and cloud cover. This makes ALOS-2 particularly valuable for forest mapping, tropical deforestation monitoring, and all-weather disaster assessment. JAXA selected L-band specifically for these earth-observation priorities.
How does ALOS-2 contribute to earthquake and disaster response in Japan?
ALOS-2's L-band radar can image Earth's surface day or night through clouds, making it invaluable for assessing earthquake damage, volcanic activity, and flood extent in Japan's disaster-prone environment. JAXA provides emergency observation data to disaster management agencies worldwide through the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters. Its ability to detect centimeter-level ground deformation helps monitor volcanic activity and earthquake aftermath.
When was ALOS-2 launched and how long is it expected to operate?
ALOS-2 was launched on May 24, 2014, by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) from the Tanegashima Space Center aboard an H-IIA rocket. The satellite was designed for a five-year mission life but has continued operating well beyond that timeframe. It succeeds the original ALOS (DAICHI) satellite which operated from 2006 to 2011.
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