January 24, 2009 Updated
"IBUKI" End of Critical Phase Operation
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency confirmed that the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite "IBUKI" (GOSAT) is now ready for the initial functional verification operation after shifting its attitude control system to the regular mode. Therefore, the critical phase operation of the IBUKI was completed at 5:15 p.m. on January 24, 2009 (Japan Standard Time, JST.) The IBUKI was launched at 12:54 p.m. on January 23, 2009 (JST.)
We will start the initial functional verification phase to check the onboard equipment function for about three months.
Photo: The IBUKI taken from the ground radar of the Research Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar (FHR), Research Establishment for Applied Science (FGAN), Germany.
January 23, 2009 Updated
"IBUKI" successfully launched!
The Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite "IBUKI" (GOSAT) was launched by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 15 (H-IIA F15) at 12:54:00 p.m. on January, 23, 2009 (Japan Standard Time, JST) from the Tanegashima Space Center. The launch vehicle flew smoothly, and, at about 16 minutes after liftoff, the separation of the IBUKI was confirmed.
(Image : Courtesy of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.)
January 20, 2009 Updated
New launch set for 12:54 p.m. on Jan. 23 (Fri.) for "IBUKI"
The launch of the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite "IBUKI" by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 15 was rescheduled to between 12:54 p.m. and 1:16 p.m. on Jan. 23 (Fri.) (Japan Standard Time, JST.).JAXA's broadcast of the event will start at 12:30 p.m. on January 23 (Fri.)You can enjoy the broadcast through the Internet or at various public viewing areas in Japan including JAXA offices, JAXAi, some science museums, and universities. In addition, some cable TV channels and mobile phone service providers will broadcast the report.
* We continue to examine the weather to make the ultimate decision of the launch on Jan. 23.
* The launch day was rescheduled again to Jan. 23 (JST) as it is explained in the press release issued at 10:10 p.m. on the 20th (JST.)
January 19, 2009 Updated
Launch postponement of IBUKI/H-IIA F15
The launch of the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite "IBUKI" (GOSAT) by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 15 (H-IIA F15) was decided to be postponed as bad weather is forecast around the time of the countdown operations staging one day prior to the launch day. The launch was originally scheduled for January 21, 2009 (Japan Standard Time, JST). The new launch date will be January 22, 2009, or later. We will carefully monitor the weather conditions to determine the date.
January 13, 2009 Updated
IBUKI moved to the VAB
On the 21st, JAXA broadcast will be on air from 12:30 p.m. We will report the launch live from the Tanegashima Space Center. You can enjoy the broadcast through the Internet or at various public viewing areas in Japan including JAXA offices, JAXAi, some science museums, and universities. In addition, some cable TV channels and mobile phone service providers will broadcast the report.
* The JAXA broadcast schedule date and time are subject to change due to the progress of launch operations and weather conditions.