ID :
42404
Fri, 01/23/2009 - 20:01
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/42404
The shortlink copeid
Japan launches satellite to study Earth's greenhouse gases+
TANEGASHIMA, Japan, Jan. 23 Kyodo - Japan launched a rocket Friday carrying a satellite that will study the concentration of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere, as well as seven small satellites, including those developed by university students and small
factories.
The domestically built H-2A rocket carrying the Ibuki satellite was launched
from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture shortly before 1 p.m.
The Ibuki satellite successfully separated from the rocket 16 minutes after
liftoff. The seven small satellites also separated from the rocket, of which
six entered orbit. The remaining one is expected to enter orbit late at night.
Under the planned operation, the Ibuki satellite will become the first of its
kind in the world to observe the concentration of greenhouse gases from space,
according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and launch operator
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.
The satellite is expected to play an important role in combating global warming
as it will allow better understanding of how much carbon dioxide the Earth's
ecosystem actually absorbs and emits.
The satellite will orbit the Earth at an altitude of around 666 kilometers and
will obtain data once every three days on the levels of carbon dioxide and
methane at 56,000 locations around the globe for about five years.
Of the seven small satellites, six were developed privately or by universities
and one is a technology demonstration satellite developed by the aerospace
agency to study new communications functions.
The cost of operating the Ibuki, including the launch, is estimated at 34.6
billion yen.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura stressed the significance of the
satellite launch, telling a press conference that not only the public sector
but also researchers from the private sector have participated in the project.
''I expect the project, which will contribute to addressing global warming, to
realize the peaceful use of space,'' he said.
==Kyodo
2009-01-23 21:30:52
factories.
The domestically built H-2A rocket carrying the Ibuki satellite was launched
from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture shortly before 1 p.m.
The Ibuki satellite successfully separated from the rocket 16 minutes after
liftoff. The seven small satellites also separated from the rocket, of which
six entered orbit. The remaining one is expected to enter orbit late at night.
Under the planned operation, the Ibuki satellite will become the first of its
kind in the world to observe the concentration of greenhouse gases from space,
according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and launch operator
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.
The satellite is expected to play an important role in combating global warming
as it will allow better understanding of how much carbon dioxide the Earth's
ecosystem actually absorbs and emits.
The satellite will orbit the Earth at an altitude of around 666 kilometers and
will obtain data once every three days on the levels of carbon dioxide and
methane at 56,000 locations around the globe for about five years.
Of the seven small satellites, six were developed privately or by universities
and one is a technology demonstration satellite developed by the aerospace
agency to study new communications functions.
The cost of operating the Ibuki, including the launch, is estimated at 34.6
billion yen.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura stressed the significance of the
satellite launch, telling a press conference that not only the public sector
but also researchers from the private sector have participated in the project.
''I expect the project, which will contribute to addressing global warming, to
realize the peaceful use of space,'' he said.
==Kyodo
2009-01-23 21:30:52
