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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] PETREL is planned to be launched as part of the Japanese space agency JAXA's 2022 Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-3 mission.

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][2]

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.[3]

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.[4] 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.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "About This Project" (in Japanese). Tokyo Institute of Technology. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  2. ^ "超小型衛星による宇宙科学" (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. ^ ""PETREL" a small satellite project of JAXA's Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration program" (in Japanese). Tokyo Institute of Technology. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  5. ^ "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.

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