KSAT supports the successful launch of two new JAXA satellites

The Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite "IBUKI" (GOSAT) and SDS-1 was launched by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle from the Tanegashima Space Center (Japan) on January, 23, 2009. The launch was smooth, and at about 16 minutes after liftoff, the separation of the IBUKI was confirmed. On the first passage over Svalbard KSAT could successfully receive telemetry as well as command both satellites from our SG3 and SG4 antenna systems.

KSAT is the only commercial ground station that has been included in the JAXA TT&C LEOP network, and KSAT will now continue to provide support to the IBUKI and SDS-1 satellite during the critical LEOP phase and the routine phase.

Helping JAXA care for the environment

The IBUKI (GOSAT:Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite) is a satellite that observes the concentration and distribution of greenhouse gases from outer space. Its purpose is to contribute to the international effort toward prevention of global warming, including monitoring the greenhouse gas absorption and emission state.

KSAT has a long term relation with the team at JAXA, and KSAT will in the coming years play the important role of the overseas X-band data acquisition station for the IBUKI project. This means that the highly important greenhouse gasses measurement that will be performed by IBUKI will be downlinked to the Svalbard station, and forwarded to JAXA. It is a great pleasure and a great honor for KSAT to make a contribution to this important effort made by JAXA to prevent the global warming.

Please find below further information about the satellites and their missions:

“IBUKI” (GOSAT): Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite

http://www.jaxa.jp/pr/brochure/pdf/04/sat02.pdf

SDS-1: Small Demonstration Satellite-1

http://www.jaxa.jp/pr/brochure/pdf/04/sat26.pdf