The main payload on the satellites is a medium resolution imaging system with a ground resolution of 40 m and 200 m. They are part of the FIRST Program of the Cabinet Offic of Japan, and the research project was led by Professor Shinichi Nakasuka in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the University’s Graduate School of Engineering.

These satelites are a proof of concept that low-cost earth observation was possible with a consistent imagery product. They are being used to test a high-speed X-band communication transmitter, an ion propulsion system, and also hav eseveral 10 m cubic objects and sensors aboard as rental space.

Sample images from the satellite are viewable in the YouTube video below: