Hitachi сократила расходимость спутникового луча до 6 градусов для 3D-мониторинга

Hitachi cuts satellite beam divergence to 6 degrees for 3D monitoring KEY POINTS - Hitachi completes proof-of-principle for satellite-mounted structured radio waves for 3D disaster and infrastructure monitoring - Offset parabolic antenna cuts beam divergence to 6 degrees from 29 degrees while preserving wavefront structure - Outdoor tests advance next as Hitachi targets disaster monitoring and preventive infrastructure maintenance Hitachi Ltd. has completed a proof-of-principle test for a technology designed to mount "structured radio waves" on satellites for three-dimensional monitoring of infrastructure and disasters from space, the company said on September 2. The technology is intended to suppress the spread of radio waves and radiate them with high directivity in a specified direction. Hitachi said the approach aims to simultaneously capture atmospheric information and the three-dimensional distribution of objects on the ground, something that has been difficult with conventional methods. Using an antenna configuration assuming satellite installation, Hitachi confirmed that the waves could be radiated with higher directivity than before while maintaining their wavefront structure. Securing the radio strength needed for observation could support all-weather, 24-hour wide-area monitoring to detect small changes early and help speed decision-making in disaster surveillance and infrastructure management. Hitachi controlled the phase of multiple antenna elements making up a circular array antenna and confirmed that it could stably generate a spiral phase structure carrying the characteristics of structured radio waves. By reflecting those waves with an offset parabolic antenna, the company reduced beam divergence to 6 degrees from 29 degrees compared with a system using only a circular array antenna. Hitachi has been developing the observation technology in stages. In August 2025, it carried out an earlier proof-of-principle test using sound waves and showed the possibility of obtaining multiple features such as an object's shape and movement. The latest work addresses a technical hurdle in moving toward satellite observation. When only a conventional circular array antenna was used, radio waves spread more easily and it was difficult to maintain the intensity needed for observation. Hitachi said it will proceed with outdoor demonstrations of structured radio wave transmission and reception technology and work with partner companies, universities and research institutions to advance applications in disaster monitoring and social infrastructure management. In Japan, social infrastructure generally refers to public-use assets such as roads, bridges, railways and utilities. The company plans to showcase part of the result at booth EX56 during Hitachi Social Innovation Forum 2026 JAPAN on September 3 and September 4. Hitachi posted revenue of 10.5867 trillion yen for fiscal 2025, which ended in March 2026, and had 606 consolidated subsidiaries and about 290,000 employees worldwide as of the end of March 2026. © Copyright 2026 IBTimes JP. All rights reserved.