Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
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: