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GPM Undergoes Final Functional Tests

Preparations for the launch of the NASA-JAXA Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory continue on schedule at Tanegashima Space Center, Japan. Launch is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 27 U.S. time / Friday, Feb. 28 Japan time. The Core Observatory is now encapsulated in the fairing and installed on the second stage of the H-IIA rocket in the Vehicle Assembly Building. On Feb. 19 and 20 (JST), the Core Observatory and the launch vehicle underwent the final functional test for two days. This test included power on/off operation of the launch vehicle and the spacecraft as well as

Entrance Sign to JAXA's Tanegashima Space Center

Entrance Sign to JAXA's Tanegashima Space Center
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Entrance Sign to JAXA's Tanegashima Space Center

The entrance sign to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC) is seen a week ahead of the planned launch of an H-IIA rocket carrying the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory, Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, Tanegashima Island, Japan. The NASA-JAXA GPM spacecraft will collect information that unifies data from an international network of existing and future satellites to map global rainfall and snowfall every three hours.

Sunset at Tanegashima Island

Sunset at Tanegashima Island
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Sunset at Tanegashima Island

The sun sets just outside the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC) a week ahead of the planned launch of an H-IIA rocket carrying the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory, Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, Tanegashima Island, Japan. The NASA-JAXA GPM spacecraft will collect information that unifies data from an international network of existing and future satellites to map global rainfall and snowfall every three hours. 

JAXA Topiary at Tanegashima Space Center

JAXA Topiary at Tanegashima Space Center
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JAXA Topiary at Tanegashima Space Center

Topiary shaped into the logo of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is seen at the Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC) a week ahead of the planned launch of an H-IIA rocket carrying the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory, Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, Tanegashima Island, Japan. The NASA-JAXA GPM spacecraft will collect information that unifies data from an international network of existing and future satellites to map global rainfall and snowfall every three hours. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Launch Site at Tanegashima Space Center

Launch Site at Tanegashima Space Center
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Launch Site at Tanegashima Space Center

The launch pads at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) Tanegashima Space Center are seen a week ahead of the planned launch of an H-IIA rocket carrying the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory, Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, Tanegashima Island, Japan. The NASA-JAXA GPM spacecraft will collect information that unifies data from an international network of existing and future satellites to map global rainfall and snowfall every three hours. 

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