First image sent by ALOS
2006/02/23 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia
This image of Mount Fuji is the first sent by ALOS (Advanced Land Observing Satellite or advanced satellite for Earth observation). Knowing that the satellite is Japanese, it is not surprising that Mount Fuji has been chosen for the first image. Fuji is a symbol for the Japanese rather than the highest mountain in the country.
The PRISM optical sensor of the satellite took the image during the initial tests. This tool encompasses three optical systems. Each of them collects separately the soil and height data, and subsequently combine. The result is high resolution and precision. For example, the roads and rivers of the Kofu valley are perfectly visible, as well as many other details.
In addition to the PRISM optical sensor, ALOS has two other tools to look at Earth: The PALSR radar allows you to take images at any time and the AVNIR-2 infrared radiometer is especially suitable for observing vegetation.
