[Project Topics] Whole-atmospheric monthly CO2 concentration tops 400 ppm based on observations by IBUKI

The Ministry of the Environment, the National Institute for Environmental Studies, and JAXA calculated the error or uncertainty of the estimation results for monthly global and regional CO2 absorptions and emissions using data acquired by the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite “IBUKI.” As a result, we can reduce the error of the estimated values when we introduce IBUKI’s observation data compared to that of the values calculated in a conventional way based on ground observation data.
This achievement will be published in the Scientific Online Letters on the Atmosphere (an online thesis magazine) issued by the Meteorological Society of Japan on Oct. 29. We will offer our estimate result data to researchers who are working on related fields that were selected through public solicitation. After being evaluated, compared and verified by researchers, we will further revise the data, if necessary, then publish the finalized data to the public.

JAXA, the National Institute for Environmental Studies, and the Ministry of the Environment would like to make the third Research Announcement (RA) prior to the publication of the data acquired by the IBUKI (GOSAT) to the general public. The RA aims at evaluating the quality of data including calibration and validation data, and promoting usage and study of data.
The RA is for the following five same areas as the first and the second RA:

The Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite “IBUKI” shoots all-globe images every three days using its onboard supplement sensor “Cloud and Aerosol Imager, TANSO-CAI.” Since April 15, it took images of the fumes billowing over Iceland and other European countries, and of a major eruption on the 17th.
We were asked by the British Government to provide observation data for verifying a prediction model, and, accordingly, we started offering processed images taken by the IBUKI. We will keep providing them through the end of April.

JAXA completed the initial validation of the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane based on the analysis results of observation data in the clear region taken by the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite “IBUKI.” Accordingly, we would like to begin to provide the above results as well as information on cloud covering to the general public on February 18, 2010.

We will continue to improve data quality of analysis results, and plan to provide monthly region-by-region data of CO2 absorption and emission volume (in and out balance) in the first half of Japan Fiscal Year 2011.

Between November 10 (Tue.) and 13 (Fri.), a GOSAT-ACOS* technical interface meeting is being held at the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center and at the National Institute for Environmental Studies. In the meeting, we are discussing the calibration and verification of observation data acquired by the IBUKI to improve data accuracy so as to be ready for the distribution of density data to the general public that is scheduled to start in January 2010.

*The ACOS (Atmospheric CO2 Observations from Space) Team is in charge of analyzing IBUKI observation data. The team is formed by a number of institutions including the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and Colorado State University.

Photo: At the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center

The Level 1 data products, which are radiance spectra observed by TANSO-FTS and images by the TANSO-CAI onboard the Greenhouse gasses Observing SATellite “IBUKI”, will begin to be released to general users following the completion of the initial calibration.
In the future, after further calibration and validation of the data, the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide and methane data and corresponding analyzed products will be made available to registered users among the general public from around the end of January, 2010 target period.

The “IBUKI” (GOSAT) project team received the “19th Nikkei Global Environmental Technology Award” (sponsored by Nikkei Inc., the publisher of Japan’s leading financial newspaper) after its satellite development and launch activities won praise. The award is granted to supreme achievements that contribute to “global environmental conservation and sustainable development” through investigation and research on environmental problems and/or development of technologies for such measures.
Photo: Accepting the award Director Hamazaki (right) and Associate Senior Engineer Kuze of the Program Management and Integration Dept.

JAXA, the National Institute for Environmental Studies, and the Ministry of the Environment acquired analysis results of the density of CO2 and methane in the fine weather areas on the ground for the first time from the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite “IBUKI,” which is currently under initial calibration and verification operations. As a result of the analysis, we found that the density data was mostly consistent with the conventional data observed on the ground: the density is high in the Northern Hemisphere and low in the Southern Hemisphere. We will further calibrate and verify the data, and publish and distribute the observation data and analyses when they are ready. (Image: JAXA/NIES/MOE)

The Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite “IBUKI” has been under the initial functional verification mode to check the normal operation of onboard mission equipment, the satellite itself, and the ground system. On April 10, we moved to the initial calibration and verification operation phase. During this phase, all mission equipment will be calibrated and verified.
JAXA, the National Institute for Environmental Studies and the Ministry of the Environment announced the second research opportunity application for evaluating the quality of calibration and verification data and promoting data application and research. Your proposals and applications are welcome.
Photo: Eastern Japan by “IBUKI” Monitor Camera

JAXA, the National Institute for Environmental Studies, and the Ministry of the Environment would like to make the second Research Announcement (RA) prior to the publication of the data acquired by the IBUKI (GOSAT) to the general public. The RA aims at evaluating the quality of data including calibration and validation data, and promoting usage and study of data. The RA is for the following five same areas as the first RA:
– Calibration
– Data processing algorithms
– Carbon balance estimation, atmospheric transport models
– Validation
– Data application.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) would like to announce that we successfully acquired the “First Thermal Infrared (TIR) spectra” 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 Thermal And Near infrared Sensor for carbon Observation-Fourier Transform Spectrometer (TANSO-FTS) after the functional check of detector cooler. which had been completed recently.

We will continue to carry out the initial functional check, which is scheduled to be completed in three months after its launch. JAXA, the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), and the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) will then cooperatively carry out the initial calibration and validation operations including comparing IBUKI data and the ground data, confirming the data accuracy, and making compensations based on the data.

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.
We will continue to carry out the initial functional check, which is scheduled to be completed in three months after its launch. JAXA, the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), and the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) will then cooperatively carry out the initial calibration and validation operations including comparing IBUKI data and data acquired on the ground, confirming the data accuracy, and making compensations based on the data.

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 to check the onboard equipment function for about three months.

The Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite “IBUKI” (GOSAT) was launched by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 15 (H-IIA F15) at 12:54:00 p.m. on January, 23, 2009 (Japan Standard Time, JST) from the Tanegashima Space Center.

The launch vehicle flew smoothly, and, at about 16 minutes after liftoff, the separation of the IBUKI was confirmed.

On January 4, the “IBUKI” was mated with the “Payload Attach Fitting (PAF)” at the Spacecraft and Fairing Assembly Building (SFA.) The PAF is a base that connects the satellite and the launch vehicle.

On January 7, the encapsulation of the IBUKI by a fairing was carried out at the SFA. The fairing type for this launch is the same one for the previous launch of the “KIZUNA” satellite. It is a 4S type that is 4 meters in diameter, and 12 meters in height.

The fairing is a cover for the IBUKI to protect it from air resistance, friction heat, and acoustic vibrations from the moment of liftoff till it passes through the atmosphere.

The encapsulated IBUKI will be loaded onto the launch vehicle at the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB.)

(Left: The IBUKI mated with the PAF. Right: The IBUKI covered by the fairing)

On December 9, the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite “IBUKI” was revealed to the press at the Spacecraft Test and Assembly Building #2 (STA2) at the Tanegasima Space Center (TNSC.) The IBUKI is now in its final preparation phase.

JAXA is accepting supportive messages to the IBUKI and its project team. We welcome your messages and images.

The launch day and lift-off time of the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 15 (H-IIA F15) was announced to be between 12:54 and 1:16 p.m. on January 21, 2009. The main payload of the H-IIA F15 is the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite “IBUKI” (GOSAT.)
At the same time, the “IBUKI Launch Special Site” was also opened. We will provide updated information on the IBUKI there. Please enjoy it.
The IBUKI was open to the press on Nov. 4 at the Tsukuba Space Center. It will be transported to the Tanegashima Space Center for final launch preparations.

“IBUKI” was selected as the nickname of the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT), which is scheduled to be launched this Japan fiscal year, after 12,683 applications were received from the general public.

IBUKI means “breath” or “puff”, and as the GOSAT is a satellite to observe carbon dioxide, which is the Earth’s puff (breath), the name reflects its mission. It also is hoped that the IBUKI will provide people with “vigor” and a “bright future.”

The IBUKI is going to be transported to the Tanegashima Space Center soon for launch preparations.

On August 26, 2008, the GOSAT project team performed the solar array paddle deployment shock test. The paddles are essential for the satellite to generate the necessary power for its onboard equipment. They are stowed at the time of launch to be released by firing pyrotechnics when the satellite is injected into its initial orbit.

The test this time verified if the satellite was strong enough under the shock level of pyrotechnics firing and if the paddles were successfully deployed.

Launch preparations for the GOSAT are smoothly underway targeting a launch within this fiscal year.
The pyro-shock test was successfully completed following the vibration test.

The pyro-shock test aims at verifying if a satellite is strong enough to bear the shocks generated by its separation from the launch vehicle.

The satellite attached to the launch vehicle by the Payload Attach Fitting (PAF) is separated from the launch vehicle by firing the pyrotechnics installed in the PAF.

The GOSAT is currently undergoing a proto-flight model (PFM) vibration test.
When a satellite is launched by a launch vehicle, it is subjected to roaring sounds and fierce vibrations. Therefore, it has to be tested under the harsh acoustic and vibration environment to make sure that it can work properly when it reaches space. During the PFM vibration test, the satellite will be shaken vertically and horizontally to acquire various acceleration data.

The “GOSAT” is the first satellite to observe greenhouse gas around the Earth from space in order to further promote measures to deal with global warming.

Prior to its launch to space, we are asking your help to give the GOSAT a nickname. The nickname should be either in Japanese Hiragana or Katakana characters.
Please send us some appropriate nicknames by September 10 (Wed,) 2008.

On January 28, 2008, the Thermal Vacuum Test on the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite “GOSAT” was performed at the Tsukuba Space Center. (Top Photo) During the Thermal Vacuum Test, the Greenhouse Gas Observation Sensor that will aboard the satellite is placed in the chamber simulating the space environment in order to test if it works properly or not. On March 1, 2008, a General Test was also performed using the Proto Flight Model. (Bottom Photo) During this General Test, the wires and antennas were assembled.

The structural thermal model (STM) of the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite “GOSAT” was open to the press on January 29 at the Tsukuba Space Center.

The GOSAT was jointly developed by JAXA, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, and the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) to observe the density of carbon dioxide, one of the gases causing the green house effect. JAXA is in charge of developing and launching the satellite and acquiring data after the launch to provide to the Ministry and the NIES.

On May 29, the third Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) symposium was held at Akihabara Convention Hall (Tokyo.) Following the project status report, lectures were given on the collaboration between the NASA OCO plan and the CO2 observation project of the GOSAT, as well as the latest research results on climatic change, and the role of electric cars for solving the global warming trend. Some 300 participants enthusiastically listened to the speakers. At the symposium, the project team felt people’s expectations for the GOSAT firsthand.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all of you who supported the symposium and attended it.
The GOSAT is in a full-scale development phase to be ready for its scheduled launch in 2008. We are looking forward to your participation again in the fourth symposium scheduled to be held around the same time next year.

Photo: Dr. Davit Crisp of NASA/JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory)

On April 21, a symposium was held in Tokyo by organizations that are in charge of the development and operation of the GOSAT. They are the Ministry of Environment, the National Institute for Environmental Studies, and JAXA. After guest speakers Prof. Berrien Moor III of the University of New Hampshire and Prof. Yoshifumi Yasuoka of the University of Tokyo talked, a panel discussion was held by domestic and international academics on global warming issues, the necessity of CO2 observations, and the status of the GOSAT project. For more details, please check the site for the Symposium on the Utilization of Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) .