2024 Activity Report vol.36:Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (RESTEC)

From February 11 to 20, 2025, the Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (RESTEC) conducted the Sakura Science Exchange Program C: Science and Technology Training Course titled "Remote Sensing Technology Training for the Development and Operation of Small Earth Observation Satellites."

This program welcomed a total of 10 researchers from Africa, including the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (Zimbabwe), the Kenya Space Agency (Kenya), the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute and the University of Ghana (Ghana), the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology and the Tanzania National Parks Authority (Tanzania), and the Botswana International University of Science and Technology and Botswana Open University (Botswana).

The purpose of this program was to deepen the understanding of the importance of analyzing and utilizing Earth observation satellite data, and to enhance the motivation for promoting satellite development among researchers affiliated with African institutions that are participating in or considering participation in the international BIRDS project—an initiative led by the Kyushu Institute of Technology since 2016 that involves joint development of nanosatellites with developing countries. The program also aimed to promote the spread of satellite remote sensing technology across African nations.

During the program, RESTEC provided lectures and hands-on training on the principles of Earth observation using satellite remote sensing, problem-solving and international cooperation using satellite data, and visualization of satellite remote sensing data.

To foster a deeper understanding of Japan, the program also included opportunities to experience traditional Japanese culture. During a tea ceremony experience, the mayor of Hatoyama Town in Saitama Prefecture participated, engaging in a discussion over tea about the town's cultural resources. In the traditional Japanese paper-making (washi) session, participants received lectures on the preservation of traditional crafts and the production process of washi, while also exchanging views on the state of paper-making cultures in their respective countries.

Additionally, with the cooperation of external organizations, the program included lectures and facility tours related to Earth observation data reception at the JAXA Earth Observation Center and Tokyo Denki University, as well as lectures on nanosatellite development and testing by Kyushu Institute of Technology. Companies such as Synspective Inc. and ArkEdge Space Inc. provided sessions on the development, operation, and service applications of small Earth observation satellites. These opportunities allowed trainees to gain broad exposure to diverse knowledge and technologies.

The trainees showed strong interest in Japan's small satellite development and Earth observation technologies, engaging actively with instructors and fellow participants in discussions about how such technologies could be applied in their own countries and foster institutional collaboration. Notably, on the ninth day of training, during a session focused on applying their learning outputs, the trainees independently created action plans to maintain communication after returning home countries and to continue activities in collaboration with their colleagues, using the program as a springboard for sustained engagement.

Through this program, the trainees gained a deeper understanding that satellite development contributes to acquiring Earth observation data and solving various challenges. It is hoped that they will continue technical cooperation with Japan in the use of data following the actual development of small Earth observation satellites through the BIRDS project.