Small Demonstration Satellite-1 (SDS-1) End of Critical Operation

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency would like to announce that the Small Demonstration Satellite-1 (SDS-1) was moved to the initial functional verification operation(*2) after completing its critical operation(*1) on January 27, 2009 (Japan Standard Time, JST). The SDS-1 was launched as a piggyback satellite with the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite “IBUKI” (GOSAT) by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.15 at 12:54 p.m. on January 23, 2009 (JST).

The satellite is currently in good condition.

We are carrying out the initial functional verification for about one month.

(Note)

*1 Critical Operation:

the period from the launch phase until the establishment of the spin stabilization attitude including satellite separation from the launch vehicle, solar array paddle deployment, and establishment of communication links.

*2 Initial Functional Verification Operation:

the period to verify the functions of the satellite bus and experiment devices.