ALOS-2

Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2, Daichi-2

Mission Profile

ALOS-2 (Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2, Daichi-2) is a JAXA Earth observation satellite launched on 24 May 2014 aboard an H-IIA rocket, operating a Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR-2) for all-weather, day-and-night land surface imaging. The L-band radar penetrates vegetation to reveal underlying terrain and is particularly effective for monitoring forest changes, geological deformation, and disaster-affected areas where cloud cover prevents optical imaging. ALOS-2's 3-meter resolution spotlight mode enables detailed mapping of infrastructure damage following earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions, supporting international disaster response efforts. The satellite continues the ALOS (Daichi) program's mission of contributing to cartography, regional observation, and disaster monitoring as a core component of Japan's Earth observation infrastructure.