Operation Status of the "Suzaku"
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has been smoothly carrying out operations of the 23rd scientific satellite, Suzaku (ASTRO-EII). JAXA launched the satellite at 12:30 p.m. on July 10, 2005 (Japan Standard Time, JST) from the Uchinoura Space Center. The following is its current operation status.
After evaluating the post-launch satellite condition, the order of the in-orbit operation events planned previously was reappraised for the better operations. After the review, JAXA completed the spin down, solar array deployment, and establishment of the three axis control mode successively by the 11th (JST). The solar array was successfully deployed so that enough power can be generated.
Today, we extended the X-ray telescope for four minutes from 12:30 p.m. (JST). It extended successfully to the scheduled distance, and fixed properly in the extended position.
From tomorrow, we will perform the "perigee maneuver" to increase the perigee altitude. It will take about two weeks for the satellite to be in a circular orbit by increasing its perigee altitude from current about 300 km to approximately 560 km.
After the initial operations, actual observations are scheduled to start in mid-August.
|
|
For inquiries:
JAXA Public Affairs Department
Tel: +81-3-6266-6413 to 7, Fax: +81-3-6266-6910