NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 2017-082A
The Global Change Observation Mission (GCOM) is a project that is being undertaken by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to study long-term changes in Earth’s climate and water cycle. The project’s first satellite – Shizuku, or GCOM-W – was launched in May 2012 with an expected five-year operational lifespan, and remains in service. Shizuku is dedicated to monitoring Earth’s water cycle, while the GCOM-C satellite that is being launched on Saturday will focus on climate change. Once in orbit, the satellite will be renamed Shikisai.
Launch Date: 2017-12-23
Launch Vehicle: H-2A
Launch Site: Tanegashima, Japan
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office