Initially, LRE (Laser Ranging Equipment) was used to evaluate the accuracy of the initial trajectory determination of the H2A launch vehicle. Subsequently, the satellite was used to verify SLR station performance, as a target for wide dynamic range of transmitting/receiving tests up to geosynchronous orbit for optical communication and SLR, and to evaluate the air drag model using SLR data.

Mission Instrumentation:

The instruments on-board LRE are:

Retroreflector array
Plate mirrors

Mission Parameters:

LRE Mission Parameters
Sponsor:	JAXA (National Space Development Agency of Japan)
Expected Life:	5 years
Primary Applications:	Experimental
Primary SLR Applications:	Experimental
COSPAR ID:	0103801
SIC Code:	1577
NORAD SSC Code:	26898
Launch Date:	August 29, 2001
RRA Diameter:	470mm
RRA Shape:	Quasi-spherical
Reflectors:	126 cube corners and 24 mirror plates
Orbit:	Geostationary transfer orbit
Inclination:	28.49
Eccentricity:	0.73
Perigee:	250.8km
Period:	-
Weight:	86.1 Kg

Additional Information:

Web sites:

JAXA

Publications:

Otsubo, T., "Reflector arrangement on H2A-LRE satellite", Presentation to 13th International Workshop on Laser Ranging, Washington, DC, USA, October 7-11, 2002.
Otsubo, T., H Kunimori, K Yoshihara and H Hashimoto, Optical response of the H2A-LRE satellite, SPIE Symposium on Remote Sensing (Toulouse), SPIE Proceedings Series 4546, 44-48, 2001.