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QPS-SAR 3, 4, 5, 6
QPS-SAR 3 [iQPS]
QPS-SAR is a series of small high-resolution X-band SAR (synthetic aperture radar) earth observation satellites by the QPS Institute (iQPS).
These satellites are the first operational satellites of a planned constellation of 36 satellites.
The satellites feature a 3.6 m diameter antenna of only 10 kg. It can distinguish objects 0.7 m long and identify cars on the road. Compared to the prototypes (QPS-SAR 1, 2), these satellites have an improved design of the antenna dish and increased power due to two deployable solar arrays and increased battery capacity. Also they feature electric thrusters for station keeping and deorbiting.
The first two operational satellites were launched together with several other satellites on an Epsilon (2) CLPS but failed to reach orbit.
| Nation: | Japan |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Earth observation, radar |
| Operator: | iQPS |
| Contractors: | iQPS |
| Equipment: | X-band SAR |
| Configuration: | |
| Propulsion: | |
| Power: | 2 deployable solar arrays, solar cells, batteries |
| Lifetime: | |
| Mass: | ~100 kg |
| Orbit: |
