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*2 to check the onboard equipment function for about three months.
The satellite is currently in good condition.
*1 Critical Operation Phase: the period of preparation for the initial functional verification operation from the launch phase until shifting the attitude control system to the regular operation mode including satellite separation from the launch vehicle and solar array paddle deployment after that
*2 Initial Functional Verification Phase: the period to verify the functions of the satellite itself and its onboard devices including observation sensors.
JAXA would like to express our profound appreciation to all related people and organizations who have supported and cooperated with the IBUKI launch and tracking.
