Completion of Critical Operations Phase, Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle "IBUKI GW" (GOSAT-GW)
July 1, 2025 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully confirmed the critical operations phase*1 of the Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle "IBUKI GW" (GOSAT-GW).
JAXA received telemetry data confirming that the deployment of the solar array paddles and a series of operations for mission payloads (the antenna deployment and the initial run-up of AMSR3*2 and release of the pointing mirror lock for TANSO-3*3 *4), have been completed, and that the satellite is in a stable condition to remain in orbit.
With this confirmation, the critical operations phase was completed.
"IBUKI GW" (GOSAT-GW) will move on to the initial functional verification operations phase*5, to verify the functions of the onboard instruments over a period of approximately three months.
JAXA conveys a deep appreciation for the cooperation and support of everyone involved in the launch and tracking and control of "IBUKI GW" (GOSAT-GW), including the government agencies, the prime contractor, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, and all the companies and organizations involved in the development, manufacture and operation of the satellite.
*1:
Critical operations phase
The period after the satellite separation from the launch vehicle, to deploy the solar array paddles and the antenna of AMSR3, to release the launch locks of mission payloads (AMSR3, TANSO-3), and to transfer the satellite to an operational state.
*2:
Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 3 (AMSR3)
AMSR3 is a sensor designed to measure weak microwaves emitted from the land surfaces and in the atmosphere.
*3:
Total Anthropogenic and Natural emissions mapping SpectrOmeter-3 (TANSO-3)
TANSO is a sensor designed to observe global greenhouse gases over a wide area and with high accuracy.
*4:
Release of the pointing mirror lock for TANSO-3
Unlock the pointing mirror that controls observation pointing direction of TANSO-3.
*5:
Initial functional verification operations phase
The period to verify the functions of the satellite system and its onboard instruments, such as mission payloads (AMSR3, TANSO-3).
For details on the operational status of “IBUKI GW” (GOSAT-GW), please refer to the following:
Space Technology Directorate I Website (Satellite Navigator)
Reference
- GOSAT-GW Special Site(Japanese Only)External Link
- Ministry of the Environment, Government of JapanExternal Link
- National Institute for Environmental Studies External Link