MOMIJI will carry out eight missions. Through these missions, we will conduct demonstrations and research in a variety of fields, including Earth observation, technology demonstrations in the space environment, and satellite communications.
1. “Chibany Space Journey” Imaging to Inspire Children’s Scientific Curiosity
MOMIJI will photograph a mascot named “Chibany” mounted on the exterior of the satellite. Through imaging from space, this mission aims to inspire children’s scientific curiosity and interest in space and science.
2. Imaging of Remaining Snow in the Tohoku Region for Pollen Dispersion Forecasting
MOMIJI will photograph remaining snow in the Tohoku region of Japan and downlink the acquired images to the ground. The distribution of remaining snow will be analyzed from the images, with the aim of contributing to the prediction of pollen dispersal during the spring of the same year.
3. Technology Demonstration of an Earth-Pointing Imaging Mode for Monitoring Desertification in Greece
MOMIJI will conduct Earth observation targeting Greece to monitor changes in vegetation associated with desertification.
During imaging, Athens, Greece, where wildfires are occurring, will be used as a landmark to identify the surrounding mountainous areas for observation. In addition, the satellite’s attitude will be estimated using data from photodiodes, magnetic sensors, and gyroscopes installed on all six sides of the satellite. Based on the estimated attitude, the satellite will perform imaging using an “attitude-estimation-based imaging mode.”
This new imaging mode aims to demonstrate a different approach to Earth observation and improve imaging accuracy.
4. Earth Environment Observation Using Multiple Sensors
MOMIJI will conduct various observations of the Earth’s environment using three types of onboard sensors.
- IR Camera: Captures infrared images of the Earth to demonstrate observations of vegetation and forests.
- UV Sensor: Measures ultraviolet (UV) intensity to investigate ozone-layer conditions.
- Geomagnetic Sensor: Measures the Earth’s magnetic field.
By utilizing data obtained from multiple sensors, this mission aims to demonstrate multifaceted observation of the Earth’s environment from space.
5. Overseas Satellite Image Downlink Service
MOMIJI will demonstrate the capability to receive satellite imaging data at ground stations outside Japan, expanding upon the satellite image downlink operations previously conducted primarily through the Chiba Institute of Technology ground station.
By delivering satellite images to overseas ground stations, this mission aims to demonstrate satellite operations utilizing a broader network of ground stations.
7. Multipurpose Use of APRS
MOMIJI will make multipurpose use of APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System), an amateur radio-based communication system.
Estimating the Population of Kyon Using a Remote APRS Ground Station
MOMIJI will investigate the population of kyon, a small deer whose population has been increasing in the Boso Peninsula of Chiba Prefecture.
An object-detection camera installed at a remote APRS ground station in the area will be used to collect information on the presence and distribution of kyon.
“APRS Chatbot” to Encourage Interest in Radio Technology
MOMIJI will demonstrate an “APRS Chatbot” mode as a new service for amateur radio operators.
MOMIJI will provide four APRS functions, combining the three APRS modes previously implemented on satellites developed by Chiba Institute of Technology with the new Chatbot mode.
- Digipeater Mode: The satellite retransmits messages received from ground stations, serving as a relay.
- User Query Mode: In response to queries from ground stations, the satellite selects and returns an appropriate message from a predefined set of words and phrases.
- User Message Mode: Messages transmitted from the Chiba Institute of Technology ground station are broadcast to amateur radio operators.
- Chatbot Mode: Messages transmitted from amateur radio operators to the satellite are analyzed onboard, and an appropriate response is selected from a predefined set of words and phrases and transmitted back to the user.
Through these functions, this mission aims to promote interest in satellite communications and amateur radio.
8. On-Orbit Characterization of a Novel Diode
MOMIJI will install Schottky barrier diodes using a novel material both inside and outside the satellite and measure their I–V characteristics in orbit.
By comparing the characteristics of diodes placed in different radiation environments inside and outside the satellite, this mission aims to evaluate their radiation tolerance in the space environment.
9. On-Orbit Temperature Data Completion Demonstration
MOMIJI will demonstrate a function for reconstructing temperature data on the ground using temperature data acquired in orbit. The function will compensate for data missing due to packet loss during communications and for data that were not acquired between sampling intervals.
This mission aims to obtain more continuous temperature data by compensating for missing measurements under satellite operating conditions affected by limited communication opportunities and communication quality.