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February 9, 2009 Updated
JAXA successfully acquired the “First Light” by the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite “IBUKI” (GOSAT) during the course of its initial functional check. The data was acquired by the onboard sensors of the IBUKI, the Fourier Transform Spectrometer (TANSO-FTS) and the Cloud and Aerosol Imager (TANSO-CAI), which were just activated. The IBUKI was launched at 12:54 p.m. on January 23 (Japan Standard Time.) Its initial functional check has been carried out on schedule, and the satellite is in good condition.
JAXA provided a live report of the launch of the Wideband InterNetworking engineering test and Demonstration Satellite "IBUKI" (GOSAT) H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 15 from a studio at Tanegashima with JAXA employees' comments.
The "IBUKI" (GOSAT) is a satellite project to observe the concentration distribution of greenhouse gases that cause global warming, and to help reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions covered by the “Kyoto Protocol.” The satellite is expected to play an important role in monitoring global environmental changes and look out for any small warning signs that could affect our future.
Ibuki is currently in its final stage of preparations before launch, scheduled for the winter of the fiscal year 2008. We interviewed Ibuki project manager Takashi Hamazaki.
Seven small payloads are scheduled to be launched together with the "IBUKI."
