# ADEOS II

> former Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q14933](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14933)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ADEOS_II)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/adeos-ii

## Summary  
ADEOS II (Advanced Earth Observing Satellite 2), also known as Midori II, was a Japanese Earth observation satellite launched in 2002 to monitor environmental changes. It succeeded ADEOS I and carried instruments like AMSR and POLDER to study climate and ocean dynamics. The mission ended prematurely in 2003 due to a power system failure.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date:** December 14, 2002, from Yoshinobu Launch Complex Pad 1, Japan.  
- **Operator:** National Space Development Agency (NASDA), Japan.  
- **Mass:** 3,680 kg (launch weight).  
- **Power:** Solar array generating 5,300 watts.  
- **Orbit:** Sun-synchronous orbit for global Earth observation.  
- **Instruments:** Included AMSR (Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer) and POLDER (Polarization and Directionality of the Earth's Reflectances).  
- **Mission End:** October 24, 2003, due to a power system breakdown.  
- **Predecessor:** ADEOS I (Midori).  
- **Launch Vehicle:** H-IIA rocket (variant H-IIA-4F).  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of ADEOS II?  
A: ADEOS II aimed to monitor global environmental changes, including climate patterns, ocean dynamics, and atmospheric conditions, using advanced sensors like AMSR and POLDER.  

### Q: Why did ADEOS II fail?  
A: The mission ended prematurely on October 24, 2003, due to a power system failure, cutting short its planned observation period.  

### Q: Who built ADEOS II?  
A: Mitsubishi Electric manufactured the satellite for Japan's National Space Development Agency (NASDA).  

## Why It Matters  
ADEOS II was a critical mission for understanding Earth's climate and environmental systems. It provided high-resolution data on ocean temperatures, atmospheric aerosols, and polar ice changes, contributing to climate models and disaster monitoring. Despite its short operational life, the satellite demonstrated Japan's capabilities in Earth observation technology. Its instruments, like AMSR, later influenced follow-up missions, underscoring the importance of continuous environmental monitoring from space.  

## Notable For  
- **Advanced Instruments:** Carried AMSR and POLDER, key tools for climate and ocean studies.  
- **High Power Output:** Featured a 5,300-watt solar array, enabling robust data collection.  
- **Short-Lived Mission:** Operated for less than a year due to an unexpected power failure.  
- **Japanese Expertise:** Showcased Japan's leadership in satellite technology and Earth observation.  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
ADEOS II, launched on December 14, 2002, was designed to continue the environmental monitoring work of its predecessor, ADEOS I. It focused on global climate change, oceanography, and atmospheric studies.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Mass:** 3,680 kg at launch.  
- **Power System:** Solar array producing 5,300 watts.  
- **Orbit:** Sun-synchronous, ensuring consistent global coverage.  
- **Instruments:**  
  - **AMSR:** Measured microwave emissions for sea surface temperature and ice data.  
  - **POLDER:** Analyzed light polarization to study aerosols and clouds.  

### Launch and Operations  
- **Launch Vehicle:** H-IIA rocket (variant H-IIA-4F).  
- **Launch Site:** Yoshinobu Launch Complex, Japan.  
- **Operational Period:** December 2002 – October 2003.  

### Mission End  
The satellite ceased operations on October 24, 2003, after a power system failure. Data collected during its brief mission still contributed to climate research.  

### Legacy  
ADEOS II's instruments and design influenced subsequent Earth observation missions, highlighting the need for resilient satellite systems in long-term environmental monitoring.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/adeos-2.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/adeos-ii)
4. [Source](https://global.jaxa.jp/projects/sat/adeos2/index.html)
5. [Source](http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2003/10/20031025_midori2_e.html)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. [Source](https://sharaku.eorc.jaxa.jp/ADEOS2/over/over.html)