PETREL

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PETREL
NamesPlatform for Extra and Terrestrial Remote Examination with LCTF
OperatorTokyo Institute of Technology
Spacecraft properties
ManufacturerTokyo Institute of Technology
Start of mission
Launch date12 June 2026
RocketH3-30
Launch siteTanegashima Space Center
ContractorJAXA
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit (planned)
RegimeLow Earth orbit
Instruments
Multispectral cameras

PETREL (Platform for Extra and Terrestrial Remote Examination with LCTF) is a technology demonstration satellite built by Tokyo Institute of Technology and launched in June 2026.[1] 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.[2] PETREL is a pathfinder for the ULTRASAT mission.[3]

Overview

PETREL's role differs depending on its position in orbit: while inside Earth's shadow it's mission is to conduct astronomical observations, and while outside, to function as an Earth observation satellite.[2][4] PETREL is designed to conduct wide field observations in ultraviolet, working in tandem with ground-based observatories to study time-domain multi-messenger astronomy.

As an Earth observation satellite, PETREL is designed to perform multispectral observation of both the land and seas to acquire data for use in agriculture and aquaculture.[5] PETREL's ocean observation are focused on measuring the level of plankton and nutrients in the waters. These data may be used by the aquaculture industry to help ensure a stable amount of catches.[6]

Launch

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.[7] The launch was later moved to 2026[8] and the satellite was launched on 12 June 2026.[1]

See also

References

  1. published, Josh Dinner (12 June 2026). "Japan's H3 rocket bounces back from failure with successful return to flight launch carrying 6 satellites". Space. Retrieved 22 June 2026.
  2. "About This Project" (in Japanese). Tokyo Institute of Technology. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  3. "日本が関与する飛翔体を用いた高エネルギー天体物理学のロードマップ検討まとめ" (PDF) (in Japanese). High Energy AstroPhysics Association in Japan. 30 January 2021. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  4. "超小型衛星による宇宙科学" (in Japanese). Tokyo Institute of Technology. Archived from the original on 3 November 2021. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  5. ""PETREL" a small satellite project of JAXA's Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration program" (in Japanese). Tokyo Institute of Technology. Archived from the original on 3 November 2021. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  6. "UMITRON in cooperation with the Tokyo Institute of Technology was selected for the 3rd JAXA Innovative Satellite Demonstration program to launch a small satellite in 2022 with the mission to gather ocean observations for aquaculture" (Press release). Umitron. 25 June 2020. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  7. "H3ロケット30形態試験機の打上げ計画及び超小型衛星相乗りの実施について" [Launch plan for H3-30 rocket configuration test vehicle and piggybacking of ultra-small satellites] (PDF). MEXT (in Japanese). 27 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  8. "H3-30 Test Flight | H3-30S | Next Spaceflight". nextspaceflight.com. Retrieved 3 January 2026.