Mitsubishi Heavy Industries GCOM-W1 H-IIA 202
About the GCOM-W1 Mission
- Type: Earth Science
- Orbit: Sun-Synchronous Orbit
- Launch Cost: $90,000,000
The GCOM-W (Global Change Observation Mission - Water) or Shizuku satellite aims to construct, use, and verify systems that enable continuous global-scale observations (for 10 to 15 years) of effective geophysical parameters for elucidating global climate change and water circulation mechanisms. Water circulation changes will be observed by a microwave radiometer onboard the GCOM-W (Water) satellite (scheduled to be launched in Japan Fiscal Year 2011). The GCOM-W will observe precipitation, vapor amounts, wind velocity above the ocean, sea water temperatures, water levels on land areas and snow depths. Climate change observation will be performed by a multi-wavelength optical radiometer onboard the GCOM-C (Climate) satellite (under consideration) on clouds, aerosol, seawater color (marine organisms), vegetation, snow and ice. These satellites will enable us to perform comprehensive observations of the surface layer of the Earth such as the atmosphere, including clouds, land, oceans and the cryosphere.
The Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) is a sensor to observe radiometers, or microwaves emitted naturally from the ground, sea surface and atmosphere, using 6 different frequency bands ranging from 7 GHz to 89 GHz. The strength of a natural microwave is determined by its characteristics and moisture, including the surface condition and temperature of the material. Although it depends on the frequency, the microwave is very weak. AMSR2 will detect such weak microwaves at an altitude of 700 kilometers and measure the strength of them with a very high accuracy. For example, by measuring the strength of a microwave emitted from the sea surface with the AMSR2, one can understand the water temperature of the sea surface to an accuracy of 0.5 degrees Celsius.
Launch Pad & Location
Yoshinobu Launch Complex LP-1
Tanegashima Space Center, Japan
The Yoshinobu Launch Complex LP-1 launch pad has hosted 57 rocket launches, including 57 orbital launch attempts. The Tanegashima Space Center, Japan launch site has been the location for 97 total rocket launches.
The Tanegashima Space Center is the largest rocket-launch complex in Japan. It is located on the southeastern tip of Tanegashima, an island located south of Kyushu, an island and region and Japan. It was established in 1969 when the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) was formed, and is now run by JAXA. The activities that take place at TNSC include assembly, testing, launching, and tracking satellites, as well as rocket engine firing tests.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA 202 Rocket
H-IIA (H2A) is an active expendable launch system operated by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The liquid-fueled H-IIA rockets have been used to launch satellites into geostationary orbit, to launch a lunar orbiting spacecraft, and to launch Akatsuki, which studied the planet Venus. Launches occur at the Tanegashima Space Center.
Learn more about the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA 202 Rocket
About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. is a Japanese multinational engineering, electrical equipment and electronics company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. MHI is one of the core companies of the Mitsubishi Group.
MHI's products include aerospace components, air conditioners, aircraft, automotive components, forklift trucks, hydraulic equipment, machine tools, missiles, power generation equipment, printing machines, ships and space launch vehicles. Through its defense-related activities, it is the world's 23rd-largest defense contractor measured by 2011 defense revenues and the largest based in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA GCOM-W1 launch scheduled?
The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA GCOM-W1 launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA GCOM-W1 mission launch from?
The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA rocket launched from Yoshinobu Launch Complex LP-1 at Tanegashima Space Center, Japan. The Tanegashima Space Center is the largest rocket-launch complex in Japan. It is located on the southeastern tip of Tanegashima, an island located south of Kyushu, an island and region and Japan. It was established in 1969 when the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) was formed, and is now run by JAXA. The activities that take place at TNSC include assembly, testing, launching, and tracking satellites, as well as rocket engine firing tests.
What rocket was used for the GCOM-W1 mission?
The GCOM-W1 mission launched aboard a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA rocket. H-IIA (H2A) is an active expendable launch system operated by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The liquid-fueled H-IIA rockets have been used to launch satellites into geostationary orbit, to launch a lunar orbiting spacecraft, and to launch Akatsuki, which studied the planet Venus. Launches occur at the Tanegashima Space Center. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA GCOM-W1 launch?
The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA GCOM-W1 launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA GCOM-W1 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the GCOM-W1 mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official Mitsubishi Heavy Industries live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.