PETREL
Japanese technology demonstration satellite
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PETREL (Platform for Extra and Terrestrial Remote Examination with LCTF) is a technology demonstration satellite being developed by Tokyo Institute of Technology. The microsatellite is equipped with a multispectral camera, which will be used to carry out two distinct missions. One mission is to survey the sky in ultraviolet wavelengths for the field of time-domain astronomy, and the other is to conduct spectroscopic observations of the Earth.[1]
| Names | Platform for Extra and Terrestrial Remote Examination with LCTF |
|---|---|
| Operator | Tokyo Institute of Technology |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Manufacturer | Tokyo Institute of Technology |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 2026 |
| Rocket | H3-30 |
| Launch site | Tanegashima Space Center |
| Contractor | JAXA |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit (planned) |
| Regime | Low Earth orbit |
| Instruments | |
| Multispectral cameras | |
PETREL was originally planned to be launched on a Epsilon rocket flight in 2022 along with the rest of JAXA's Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-3 mission satellites, but was not launched. As of September 2024, PETREL was scheduled to be launched during fiscal year 2025 on the first H3-30 test flight.[2] The launch was later moved to 2026.[3]
Overview
PETREL's role differs depending on its position in orbit: while inside Earth's shadow it will conduct astronomical observations, and while outside it will function as an Earth observation satellite.[1][4]
PETREL will conduct wide field observations in ultraviolet, which will work in tandem with ground-based observatories to study time-domain multi-messenger astronomy. PETREL is a pathfinder for the ULTRASAT mission.[5]
As an Earth observation satellite, PETREL will perform multispectral observation of both the land and seas to acquire data for use in agriculture and aquaculture.[6] PETREL's ocean observation will measure the level of plankton and nutrients in the waters, which the aquaculture industry will utilize to help ensure a stable amount of catches.[7]
See also
- HIBARI (satellite) – Japanese microsatellite
- Odin (satellite) – Swedish satellite with radiometer, launched in 2001