President Masahiro Kawasaki

The Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (RESTEC) was established in August 1975. Its purpose was to implement basic and comprehensive research and development of remote-sensing technology for investigating global phenomena and Earth resources using data obtained from satellites and to disseminate knowledge of remote-sensing technology and other utilization of space technology, in order to promote economic growth and social development, as well as the well-being of the nation.

For the more than 30 years since its foundation, RESTEC has been receiving and processing data from both domestic and foreign Earth-observation satellites and providing those data to users and researchers entrusted by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and other related agencies. In parallel with these activities, RESTEC has been supporting R&D of remote-sensing technology and also endeavoring to spread the results of this R&D. Based on this experience, RESTEC has been training both domestic and foreign personnel and promoting international cooperation.

In FY2005, RESTEC was appointed by JAXA as the primary domestic distributor of the ALOS data and began providing related standard and value-added products. In addition, RESTEC is entrusted with managing JAXA's Earth Observation Center at Hatoyama in FY 2007. RESTEC is currently undertaking normal ALOS operation and processing of ALOS data, as well as the distribution of other Earth-observation satellite data.

The Government of Japan issued the 3rd Science and Technology Basic Plan and selected the Ocean-Earth Observation System as one of the Nation's key technologies and plans to invest intensively in those areas. In the Ocean-Earth Observation System, remote sensing technology is expected to be developed further as an effective tool for global environmental monitoring, disaster mitigation and natural resource exploration.

At this time, all RESTEC personnel confirm our resolve to make united efforts to develop remote-sensing technology and contribute to the improvement of the welfare of mankind and the sustenance of the Earth by applying our knowledge cultivated through the above activities.

We would like to ask for your continued strong support and close cooperation.