January 19, 2019 (JST)

National Research and Development Agency
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

JAXA received telemetry data from the Rapid Innovative Payload Demonstration Satellite 1 (RAPIS-1), launched aboard the fourth Epsilon Launch Vehicle (Epilon-4) earlier at 9:50 a.m. (Japan Standard Time, JST), January 18, 2019 from the JAXA Uchinoura Space Center. The RAPIS-1 telemetry confirmed that the satellite's solar panels started generating electricity, which is essential for the RAPIS-1 operation. The telemetry also shows communication with the satellite via ground stations proceeded well. This concludes the critical operations phase. ^*1

RAPIS-1 transitions to the in-orbit checkout phase. ^*2 During this phase of approximately 30 days, the functions of the satellite's onboard instruments will be evaluated.

JAXA conveys deep appreciation for the support by all for the satellite's launch and tracking.

*1: The critical operations phase: during this phase that follows the satellite's separation from the launch vehicle, the activities of the satellite's power and communication systems are verified.

*2: In-orbit checkout phase: the status of the satellite's entire systems is examined throughout this phase.