# ALOS-3

> Japanese satellite destroyed in a launch failure

**Wikidata**: [Q17224758](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17224758)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ALOS-3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alos-3

## Summary
ALOS-3 was a Japanese Earth observation satellite destroyed during its launch failure on March 7, 2023. It was part of the Advanced Land Observing Satellite program, following ALOS-2 and preceding ALOS-4, and was designed to continue Japan's radar imaging capabilities from space.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Earth observation satellite
- **Operator**: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
- **Launch Date**: March 7, 2023, at 01:37:55 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: H3 Launch Vehicle (H3-TF1)
- **Launch Site**: Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 2
- **Mass**: Approximately 3,000 kilograms (launch weight)
- **Manufacturer**: Mitsubishi Electric
- **Launch Contractor**: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
- **Cause of Destruction**: Launch failure
- **Predecessor**: ALOS-2 (launched in 2014)
- **Successor**: ALOS-4 (planned synthetic-aperture radar satellite)
- **Aliases**: Advanced Land Observing Satellite 3, Daichi-3

## FAQs
### Q: What was ALOS-3's purpose?
A: ALOS-3 was designed to continue Japan's Earth observation capabilities, specifically for radar imaging, following the success of ALOS-2.

### Q: Why was ALOS-3 destroyed?
A: ALOS-3 was destroyed during its launch failure on March 7, 2023, when the H3 rocket malfunctioned shortly after liftoff.

### Q: Who operated ALOS-3?
A: The satellite was operated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

### Q: What was the relationship between ALOS-3 and other ALOS satellites?
A: ALOS-3 followed ALOS-2 (launched in 2014) and was intended to be succeeded by ALOS-4, another synthetic-aperture radar satellite.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for ALOS-3?
A: ALOS-3 was launched using the H3 Launch Vehicle, specifically the H3-TF1 configuration.

## Why It Matters
ALOS-3 was part of Japan's Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) program, which provides critical Earth observation data for environmental monitoring, disaster management, and resource assessment. The satellite's destruction in a launch failure was a significant setback for JAXA, as it would have contributed to Japan's radar imaging capabilities. The ALOS program has been instrumental in supporting Japan's national security, environmental policies, and scientific research. The loss of ALOS-3 highlights the challenges and risks associated with space missions, particularly for emerging launch vehicles like the H3. The program's continuation with ALOS-4 underscores Japan's commitment to maintaining its Earth observation infrastructure despite setbacks.

## Notable For
- **First in its class**: ALOS-3 was the third satellite in the ALOS series, following ALOS and ALOS-2.
- **Radar imaging**: Designed for synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) observations, similar to its predecessors.
- **Launch failure**: The satellite's destruction marked the first failure of the H3 rocket, a significant event in Japan's space program.
- **JAXA's resilience**: Demonstrated JAXA's ability to recover from setbacks by planning ALOS-4 as a successor.
- **Environmental monitoring**: Contributed to Japan's efforts in disaster response and environmental monitoring.

## Body
### Overview
ALOS-3 was an Earth observation satellite developed by Japan as part of the Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) program. It was designed to provide high-resolution radar imagery for environmental monitoring, disaster management, and resource assessment. The satellite was approximately 3,000 kilograms at launch and was manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric.

### Launch and Failure
ALOS-3 was launched on March 7, 2023, at 01:37:55 UTC from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 2 using the H3 Launch Vehicle (H3-TF1). The launch ended in failure, resulting in the destruction of the satellite. The incident marked the first failure of the H3 rocket, which was intended to replace Japan's older H-IIA and H-IIB launch vehicles.

### Program Context
ALOS-3 followed the successful ALOS-2 satellite, which was launched in 2014. The ALOS program began with ALOS (Daichi), launched in 2006, and continued with ALOS-2. ALOS-3 was intended to be succeeded by ALOS-4, another synthetic-aperture radar satellite. The program's continuity highlights Japan's commitment to maintaining its Earth observation capabilities despite the setback.

### Significance
The loss of ALOS-3 was a significant setback for JAXA and Japan's space program. It underscored the challenges of developing new launch vehicles and the importance of redundancy in space missions. Despite the failure, JAXA remains focused on the ALOS program, with ALOS-4 planned to continue the radar imaging mission.

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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/alos-3.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://global.jaxa.jp/press/2023/03/20230307-2_e.html)
4. [Source](https://www.satnavi.jaxa.jp/ja/project/alos-3/)