Global Change Observation Mission - Water "SHIZUKU" (GCOM-W) Topics

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Mar. 4, 2021 Updated
GSMaP receives "Dr. Roman L. Kintanar Award 2020" for significant contribution to Typhoon Committee's regional flood forecasting

The joint team of the International Centre for Water Hazard and Risk Management (ICHARM), the Infrastructure Development Institute (IDI) and JAXA was given the “Dr. Roman L. Kintanar Award for Typhoon-Related Disaster Mitigation - 2020”.

The Dr. Roman L. Kintanar Award is given annually to an organization that has made a significant contribution to the activities of the Typhoon Committee, an inter-governmental body established under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to reduce the damage caused by typhoons.

JAXA has developed the Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP). The GSMaP has contributed significantly to flood prediction in the Typhoon Committee Region. This is the first time that Japanese organizations, other than the Japan Meteorological Agency, got the award.

Acceptance speech by ICHARM Executive Director KOIKE

Acceptance speech by ICHARM Executive Director KOIKE at the 53rd session of the
ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee (TC) hosted online by Japan on February 23-25, 2021

GSMaP

The GSMaP is a global rainfall map developed by combining the multi satellites under the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission. The users have spread to 138 countries in the world, and the GSMaP is being used in various fields such as precipitation monitoring, flood forecasting, drought monitoring, agriculture, and so on.

Feb. 18, 2020 Updated
Massive bushfires in Australia seen from Space

Australia has naturally faced many droughts and bushfires, but conditions have been unusually severe this time. Sometime around September 2019, the bushfires continuously occurred around the state of New South Wales in southeast Australia. The fires had been spreading on a larger scale, and a number of massive fires had merged into a "Mega Fire" that was out of control. The fires are unlikely to end entirely even at the end of January 2020.

Figure 1 (left) Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) in Australia calculated by GSMaP precipitation amount in a month (December 2019), (right)SPI calculated by GSMaP precipitation amount in three months (October-December 2019) in a same way. The relations between SPI value, the range of drought and frequency of phenomenon were classified by WMO (2012). In case SPI value becomes "-1.5 to -1.99", it indicates the situation of "Severe dryness" which happens "once in 20 years". In case SPI value becomes less than -2.0, it corresponds "Extreme dryness" which happens "once in 50 years". These condition shows the possibility of severe drought occurrence which leads to a big social impact.

Jul. 26, 2017 Updated
Huge Iceberg Breaks away from Antarctic Ice Sheet — Shizuku Satellite Observations Detect

An iceberg about the size of Mie Prefecture of Japan split off from Antarctica’s Larsen C iceberg on July 12, 2017. The second Advance Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR2) on JAXA’s Shizuku satellite captured the calving of the close to 5,800-square kilometer chunk of ice. The nascent iceberg created by the rift is estimated to weigh over a trillion ton kilograms.
AMSR2 was instrumental in grasping this major calving event. It can turn to and observe the same area a few times a day regardless of time and weather. Antarctica is currently in its winter, the season of six-month-long darkness. AMSR2’s high temporal resolution could monitor the progression of the rift despite the absence of light, which the traditional optical sensors cannot.
Using Shizuku and ALOS-2 satellites, JAXA will continue following the trajectory of the new iceberg.

Huge Iceberg Breaks away from Antarctic Ice Sheet — Shizuku Satellite Observations Detect

Feb. 21, 2017 Updated
GCOM-W: Sea Ice Hits Record Low

Global sea ice extent hit record low, according to observations from Shizuku on Global Change Observation Mission on January 14, 2017. It is all time low in the history of satellite operation that started in 1978, JAXA continues operation of Shizuku and GCOM-C and monitoring arctic sea ice extent, off the coast of Greenland Sea and the rest of the arctic circle.
Related information is also available at the following links:

GCOM-W: Sea Ice Hits Record Low

Nov. 2, 2015 Updated
Release of the JAXA Realtime Rainfall Watch

Earth Observation Research Center (EORC) of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has developed GSMaP realtime version (GSMaP_NOW) providing rainfall information of current hour, and released those information through a new webpage “JAXA Realtime Rainfall Watch”.
While GSMaP near-real-time version (GSMaP_NRT) is provided with 4-hour data latency, which consists of 3-hour for data gathering and 1-hour for processing, GSMaP_NOW is provided in quasi-realtime and updated every half-hour. For example, hourly GSMaP_NOW image and data during 0930Z and 1029Z is available at around 1030Z through the web site.

Release of the JAXA Realtime Rainfall Watch

Sep. 5, 2014 Updated
NOAA to utilize data acquired by "SHIZUKU"

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has begun to routinely utilize observational data acquired by the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) aboard the Global Change Observing Mission - Water "SHIZUKU" (GCOM-W) to monitor the land, ocean and atmosphere globally and around the U.S. GCOM-W was launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in May 2012 and JAXA started providing the AMSR data to NOAA in February, 2013.
AMSR2, measuring weak microwave emissions from the Earth's surface through clouds data, can characterize storms to better and more precisely understand the internal structure, such as the eye of a hurricane.
This summer NOAA also began testing these data in its numerical weather prediction system, which will improve the initialization of the forecast guidance models. In Japan, the AMSR2 data application into the Numerical Weather Prediction System by the Japan Meteorological Agency started last September to improve precipitation forecast accuracy.

Image: Hurricane "Arthur" on July 3, 2014
Microwave observation (GCOM-W/AMSR2).

NOAA to utilize data acquired by "SHIZUKU"

Feb. 3, 2014 Updated
NOAA utilizes SHIZUKU data for typhoon monitoring

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that it will utilize observation data acquired by the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) aboard the Global Change Observation Mission 1-Water “SHIZUKU” (GCOM-W1) from June 1, 2014, to monitor the birth and development of a tropical low pressure system.
JAXA and NOAA signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on GCOM data application in 2011, and NOAA uses such data while transmitting AMSR2 data through its ground station to JAXA.
While the inside structure of a typhoon cannot be clarified through cloud images taken by visible rays or infrared light observations, AMSR2’s microwave observations can clearly capture images through clouds. When the Philippines was harshly damaged by the 30th typhoon in November 2013, the NOAA Hurricane Center utilized AMSR2’s observation data to specify its location and precipitation volume and to analyze its structure. As a result of the application at that time, AMSR2’s observation data was recognized as suitable and useful for measuring a strong typhoon such as the 30th typhoon last year thus improving weather forecast precision.
JAXA keeps working hard to develop the means to apply its precious satellite observation data in useful ways.

NOAA utilizes SHIZUKU data for typhoon monitoring

Oct. 17, 2013 Updated
SHIZUKU receives Nikkei Global Environmental Technology Awards Prize for Excellence!

The Global Change Observation Mission 1st - Water "SHIZUKU" (GCOM-W1) captured the 2013 Nikkei Global Environmental Technology Awards Prize for Excellence. The awards are sponsored by Nikkei Inc. to be given to individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to environmental preservation.
The SHIZUKU plays an important part of the global observation mission by satellites called the "Global Change Observation Mission (GCOM)" to measure global-scale environmental changes over a long period of time. It has been observing water circulation on the Earth (including vapor, sea surface temperatures, water levels on land areas, snow and ice) since July 2012.
The acquired data can be utilized for various areas both within and outside Japan, including weather and precipitation forecasts, fishing point probes, and anti-flood measures, in addition to understanding global environment changes. Thanks to the SHIZUKU's observation data, the Arctic sea ice area was found to become the smallest in observation history on August 25, 2012.

May 17, 2013 Updated
SHIZUKU to provide geophysical quantity products

On May 17, 2013, JAXA started offering eight kinds of products whose physical quantity concerning water on the Earth, including precipitable water in the atmosphere and sea surface temperature, is calculated based on the observation data acquired by the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) aboard the Global Change Observation Mission 1st-Water “SHIZUKU” (GCOM-W1).
These products will contribute to capture environmental changes on a global scale such as the El Nino and La Nina Phenomena. In addition, they can also be utilized for other various fields both in Japan and overseas including weather and precipitation forecasts, efficiently finding fishing points, and enhancing measures against floods.
JAXA has already started providing “brightness temperature products,” which indicate the strength of radio waves in a specific frequency emitted from the ground and in the atmosphere.

Jan. 25, 2013 Updated
SHIZUKU to Provide Brightness Temperature Products

JAXA has started offering brightness temperature products*1 from the onboard Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) of the Global Change Observation Mission 1st - Water "SHIZUKU" (GCOM-W1), after its initial calibration operation*2 was completed.
We processed the original raw data acquired by the SHIZUKU with correction to reveal brightness products this time. The products are expected to be widely used not only by domestic researchers and institutions concerning meteorology and weather changes including the Japan Meteorological Agency and other private weather forecasters, but also overseas meteorological institutions such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States.
*1 Brightness temperature indicates the radio wave strength of a specific frequency emitted from the atmosphere and the ground.
*2 Calibration operation: To improve measurement accuracy (brightness temperature accuracy), data acquired by an observation device (the AMSR2 in the case of the SHIZUKU) is evaluated, then the device as well as data processing software on the ground are checked and corrected if necessary.

Dec. 25, 2012 Updated
SHIZUKU provides ocean ice data to JARE

JAXA has been offering ocean ice data to the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE) since Dec. 1, 2012.
In the Antarctic area, two types of ice exist, drift ice which floats with the wind and ocean current, and fixed ice. For navigating in floating ice areas, information about drift ice is important as it moves around. The SHIZUKU can observe sea ice regardless of weather conditions, thus it is suitable for providing such data for navigation.
Data provided by the SHIZUKU will be utilized for the navigation plan of the Japan icebreaker “Shirase”, which is transporting cargo to the Showa Station in Antarctica, for determining future ocean observation routes and points, and for navigation and observation plans for the ocean research vessel “Umitakamaru,” which will start ocean observations in late December.

Oct. 1, 2012 Updated
SHIZUKU cooperates with MIRAI on Arctic Ocean investigation and observations

JAXA and the Japan Agency for Maritime-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) are collaborating in the Earth environment field by combining space and oceanic technologies such as merging data acquired by an Earth observation satellite and on-the-spot data obtained through an observation system deployed in the ocean.
We started to provide data on the Arctic Ocean area acquired by the SHIZUKU to the National Institute of Polar Research (NiPR) for its voyage to observe and investigate the area using JAMSTEC’s Oceanographic Research Vessel “MIRAI”. The provided data is expected to contribute to NiPR’s research and safe navigation.
We are sending MIRAI data including sea ice distribution, ocean temperature distribution and sea ice concentrations observed by SHIZUKU, which can conduct observations regardless of weather conditions, three times a day. SHIZUKU’s data is being used to find the best sailing routes and for selecting observation areas.
The data on the Arctic Ocean area acquired this time by MIRAI, including the ocean surface temperature, will also be provided to JAXA in order to verify the accuracy of SHIZUKU’s data as well as to study environment changes such as analyzing recently decreasing Arctic sea ice.
Image: Navigation Plan for MIRAI (provided by NiPR and JAMSTEC)

Sep. 20, 2012 Updated
New record set on Sept. 16 for lowest level of Arctic sea ice

As a result of our analysis on sea ice data measured by the onboard microwave scanning radiometer aboard the Global Change Observation Mission 1st - Water "SHIZUKU,” Arctic sea ice levels shrunk to 3.49 million square kilometers, the smallest record in observation history.
We found that the Arctic sea ice extended for 4.21 million square kilometers on August 24, which marked the smallest area in observation history. However, the area has continued to dwindle since then to mark a new record. The temperature in the Arctic has already started to decrease and ice is gradually forming to expand sea ice levels.
Therefore, the level on Sept. 16 will most likely be the smallest record for this year (i.e. the smallest level in observation history.)

Aug. 25, 2012 Updated
Arctic sea ice became smallest according to SHIZUKU observation data

As a result of JAXA’s analysis on sea ice data measured by the onboard microwave scanning radiometer of the “SHIZUKU,” which has been observing the Earth, we confirmed that the sea ice extent in the Arctic Ocean has become the smallest this year in observation history. The extent on August 24 (JST) was 4.21 million square kilometers, and that fell below the smallest record of 4.25 million square kilometers marked in 2007 in satellite observation history.
Arctic sea ice usually becomes smallest in mid to late September; therefore, melting will continue till then. JAXA keeps monitoring the ice in the Arctic Ocean by the SHIZUKU to report the latest status.

Aug. 10, 2012 Updated
"SHIZUKU" (GCOM-W1) Regular Observation Operations

JAXA completed the initial functional verification of the Global Change Observation Mission 1st - Water "SHIZUKU" (GCOM-W1) and has moved to the regular observation operation on August 10 as scheduled. The SHIZUKU was launched by JAXA from the Tanegashima Space Center on May 18, 2012.
We will first perform the initial calibration and checkout during which acquired data will be compared with observation data on the ground for confirming data accuracy and make some data correction.

Jul. 4, 2012 Updated
SHIZUKU onboard sensor (AMSR2) acquired observation data!

SHIZUKU onboard sensor (AMSR2) acquired observation data! JAXA acquired observation data on the Earth from the Global Change Observation Mission 1st - Water "SHIZUKU" (GCOM-W1). The SHIZUKU was launched on May 18, 2012 (Japan Standard Time) from the Tanegashima Space Center and started regular observations by the onboard sensor, Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2,) on July 3 after entering into the A-train orbit on June 29. The data was acquired by the AMSR2. We will continue the initial functional verification, then confirm data accuracy and perform initial calibration and inspection operations including data correction.

Jul. 2, 2012 Updated
SHIZUKU inserted into A-Train orbit!

JAXA confirmed that the Global Change Observation Mission 1st - Water “SHIZUKU” was inserted into a planned position on the A-Train orbit. The SHIZUKU was launched by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 21 from the Tanegashima Space Center on May 18.
The A-train, or the Afternoon Constellation, is a cooperative Earth observation system that consists of multiple satellites from some countries. Japan has participated in the system for the first time with the SHIZUKU. JAXA will verify observation performance of the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) aboard the SHIZUKU.

May 19, 2012 Updated
SHIZUKU critical phase completed!

The Global Change Observation Mission 1st - Water "SHIZUKU", which was launched from the Tanegashima Space Center on May 18, completed its critical operations as it was successfully inserted into the initial orbit and finished the AMSR2 run-up and other essential events normally. JAXA will take about 45 days to insert the satellite into the "A-Train orbit" in order to participate in an Earth observation mission called the "A-Train" in cooperation with satellites of other countries while performing the initial functional confirmation for about three months.

May 18, 2012 Updated
SHIZUKU's AMSR2 antenna successfully deployed

The Global Change Observation Mission 1st - Water "SHIZUKU" successfully deployed its onboard Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR), and the scene was shot by an onboard camera. The AMSR2 measures electromagnetic waves called microwaves emitted from nature such as the ground and ocean surface. It is an important sensor that observes water such as precipitation, vapor volume and the depth of snow.

May 18, 2012 Updated
SHIZUKU: Successful solar array paddle deployment and initial orbit insertion

The Global Change Observation Mission 1st - Water "SHIZUKU" captured its successful solar array paddle deployment by an onboard camera over Australia. After SHIZUKU's orbit calculation, JAXA confirmed that the satellite was injected into the scheduled initial orbit. The SHIZUKU will deploy its onboard Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR).

May 18, 2012 Updated
Successful launch of H-IIA F 21 with SHIZUKU and SDS-4 aboard!

The launch of the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 21 with The Global Change Observation Satellite 1st - Water "SHIZUKU" and Small Demonstration Satellite-4 (SDS-4) aboard was successfully performed at 1:39 a.m. on May 18 (Fri.) 2012 (Japan Standard Time). The launch vehicle flew normally and separated the SHIZUKU at about 22 minutes and 59 seconds after liftoff. Then, the Small Demonstration Stellite-4 (SDS-4) was also confirmed to be successfully separated as scheduled. The SHIZUKU will conduct critical phase operations including deploying the AMSR2 antenna. We await your support messages!

May 14, 2012 Updated
SHIZUKU Launch Live broadcast to start at 1:10 a.m. on May 18!

The Global Change Observation Mission 1st-Water “SHIZUKU” will be launched this weekend, at 1:39 a.m. on May 18 (Fri.) from the Tanegashima Space Center. JAXA will broadcast the live launch report from around 1:10 a.m. on May 18. You can watch it through some cable TV stations or websites, and via cell phones and smart phones. Please watch the SHIZUKU launch with us in real time!

May 1, 2012 Updated
SHIZUKU mated with the Payload Attach Fitting

On April 26, the Global Change observation Mission 1st-Water "SHIZUKU" was mounted onto the payload adapter called the "Payload Attach Fitting," or PAF, at the Spacecraft and Fairing Assembly Building at the Tanegashima Space Center. The PAF is a connection part between the satellite and the launch vehicle. The launch site operations are smoothly in progress, and the SHIZUKU will be covered by the fairing and loaded onto the launch vehicle.

Apr. 4, 2012 Updated
SHIZUKU revealed to the media at TNSC

On April 4, the media was invited to have a look at the Global Change Observation Mission 1st-Water “SHIZUKU” at the Tanegashima Space Center.
The SHIZUKU (GCOM-W1) is installed with the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) to observe precipitation, vapor amounts, wind velocity above the ocean, sea water temperature, water levels on land areas, ocean ice area, and snow depths. The data acquired by the SHIZUKU is expected to be utilized for various fields including research on global environmental changes, weather forecasts, and fisheries.
The satellite will soon be in final launch preparation operations to be ready for its launch on May 18.

Mar. 21, 2012 Updated
Launch date set for SHIZUKU & SDS-4 on H-IIA F21! Special site now available!

The launch date and time for the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 21 (H-IIA F21) with the Global Change Observation Mission 1st - Water "SHIZUKU" (GCOM-W1) onboard was decided to be at around 1:39 a.m. on May 18 (Fri.,) 2012. The Small Demonstration Satellite-4 (SDS-4) will also be launched by the H-IIA F21 as a secondary payload.
We opened a special site for the SHIZUKU, which is slated for launch in May. We will publish columns by project team members. Please have a look.

Jan. 12, 2012 Updated
SHIZUKU revealed to the media

On Jan. 10, the media was invited to have a look at the Global Change Observation Mission 1st- Water “SHIZUKU” at the Tsukuba Space Center.
The satellite will be in the final launch preparation operations to be ready for its trip to space in Japan Fiscal Year 2012.

Sep. 21, 2011 Updated
'Shizuku' selected as nickname for Global Change Observation Mission 1st– Water (GCOM-W1)

JAXA conducted a nickname contest for about two months for the Global Change Observation Mission 1st – Water (GCOM-W1) satellite, and we received 20,998 applications. Among them, "Shizuku" (meaning a "drop"or a "dew") which was suggested by the largest number of people was selected. The typical reasoning for picking "Shizuku" was that the satellite will observe water circulation, which originated from a "drop" of water that becomes rain, then runs into the ocean, and ultimately evaporates in the air and becomes ice. This explanation gained high points during the selection process as it precisely illustrates the GCOM-W1 mission. JAXA will send a certificate and commemorative present to all of you who proposed the name "Shizuku."
Thank you very much to so many people who join the contest. Please keep your eye on the GCOM-W1 project.

Feb. 7, 2011 Updated
Global Change Observation Mission 3rd Research Announcement

JAXA is announcing the third research announcement (RA), which is the opportunity to conduct algorithm development, validation, and application research for the first satellite of the GCOM-W (Water) series, GCOM-W1, as well as multi-sensor research mainly using data from GCOM-W1.
In this RA, JAXA solicits 3-year research proposals beginning from Japanese fiscal year 2011, for GCOM-W1 algorithm development, validation, and application research, as well as multi-sensor research mainly using data from GCOM-W1. JAXA will give priority to the areas of GCOM-W1 algorithm development and validation.
The deadline for submitting proposals is March 25, 2011.

Jan. 21, 2011 Updated
GCOM-W1: Sinusoidal vibration test of the protoflight model

JAXA conducted a sinusoidal vibration test of the GCOM-W1 protoflight model at the Tsukuba Space Center.
GCOM-W1 satellite will be launched by H-IIA Launch Vehicle. Since a payload of a launch vehicle will experience severe vibrations due to engine combustion during its ascent, the satellite must be verified to withstand such vibration environment through a vibration test on the ground. During the test, the satellite was set on a table called a shaker table as you can see in the photo, and all the onboard devices were set in the same condition as that for the actual launch. Vibrations were generated through the shaker on the left of the table. All of the satellite devices were verified to work properly during vibration test of three axis directions and no abnormality was found on the satellite structure.

Nov. 26, 2010 Updated
EMC test by the protoflight model

The Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) on-board Global Change Observation Mission 1st - Water (GCOM-W1) will observe minute radio waves from the Earth. In order to verify that no other onboard electronic devices negatively affect AMSR2 function inside the?satellite when they are actually turned on, the electormagnetic?compatibility test was conducted at the Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC.)
For the test, we placed the satellite in an environment that was very similar to the on-orbit situation, and emitted radio waves to communicate with the ground facilities. We were able to confirm that the satellite properly operated without impacting the AMSR2 observation data.

Aug. 10, 2010 Updated
AMSR2 protoflight model antenna rotation test

An antenna rotation test using a protoflight model (PFM) of the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) was held at the Tsukuba Space Center. The AMSR2 will be loaded onto the GCOM-W1. The AMSR2's sensor unit rotates 40 times a minute in space, and it observes a swath of about 1,450 km on the ground surface per rotation. We had some limitations in simulating the impact of air resistance and the zero-gravity environment of space due to simulator restrictions for the ground test, thus the rotation speed was reduced to one tenth. Through the test, the rotation was verified to be normal.

Aug. 4, 2010 Updated
AMSR2 protoflight model antenna deployment test

An antenna deployment test using a protoflight model of the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) was held at the Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC.) The AMSR2 will be loaded onto the GCOM-W1. The antenna will be stowed when the GCOM-W1 is launched, and about 11 hours after the launch, bolts will be cut by pyrotechnics and the antenna will be deployed by a spring attached to the joint part of the strut. During the test, the impact caused by the antenna deployment was proved to be less than the specified level. We also confirmed that the deployment was successfully performed under the circumstance which simulates zero gravity in space.

Mar. 10, 2010 Updated
Symposium of "Expectations to the Climate Change Monitoring using Earth Observation Satellites"

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is holding a symposium titled "Expectations for Climate Change Monitoring using Earth Observation Satellites" on April 15, (Thursday) 2010, at the Hotel Pacific Tokyo.
Earth observation satellites have been playing an important role in monitoring climate change, and international cooperation is imperative for global-scale monitoring as a multiple number of satellites and various kinds of onboard observation sensors are required to cover the globe. JAXA has been planning to fulfill its international responsibilities for its satellites including the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite "IBUKI" (GOSAT) and the Global Changing Observation Mission (GCOM).
At the symposium, representatives of space and meteorological organizations from all over the world will introduce their climate change monitoring initiatives by earth observation satellites, then explain how their activities have been promoted through international cooperation. We will also discuss future prospects for international collaboration. We are looking forward to your participation.

Dec. 3, 2008 Updated
Global Change Observation Mission (GCOM) Symposium

At this symposium, JAXA and the organizations concerned report a background, a purpose, and a role of the GCOM plan, and the present status of the climate change research by the satellite observation. JAXA holds this symposium so that participants can understand the GCOM plan and the global environment issues.

Date:
January 13, 2009 (Tue) 10:00-15:00

Place:
Ambassador's Ball Room, Pan Pacific Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu

Oct. 2, 2008 Updated
GCOM-W1 Sinusoidal Vibration Test

The GCOM project team performed the Sinusoidal Vibration Test on the GCOM-W1 structural model. The test aimed at verifying if the satellite's structural materials and its onboard equipment could withstand sinusoidal vibrations by simulating rocket launch vibrations.

The test was completed without any problems, and all functions and the performance were confirmed to be normal.

The structural model is for design verification to confirm if the satellite and its onboard equipment are strong enough for a space trip by exposing them under the simulated launch vibration and acoustic environment, as well as under simulated shocks at the time of atellite separation from the launch vehicle and solar array paddle deployment.

Aug. 4, 2008 Updated
Thermal Vacuum Test with solar light was performed on Engineering Model of the high-temperature noise source (HTS) for the AMSR2

A Thermal Vacuum Test using solar light on the Engineering Model of the HTS for the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) to be aboard the Global Change Observation Mission 1st - Water (GCOM-W1) was performed in the 8M Chamber Building at Tsukuba Space Center from July 30 to August 4, 2008. This test was to check if the sensor works normally after it was exposed to the constant solar light by placing a model of the sensor to be aboard the satellite in a chamber simulating the space environment.

Photo: The EM of the HTS for the AMSR2 during the Thermal Vacuum Test

Jan. 21, 2008 Updated
Global Change Observation Mission 1st Research Announcement

As the first step in a series of the Global Change Observation Mission (GCOM) research announcements (RAs), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announces the opportunity to conduct research activities directly related to retrieval algorithms for geophysical products, product validation, and data application of GCOM-W1. Participation in this RA is open to all categories of domestic and foreign organizations including educational institutions (except for students), industries, non-profit institutions and Japanese Government agencies.

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