This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A research team from the Kyushu Institute of Technology, Kwansei Gakuin University, Tokyo City University, Kanazawa University, the University of Tokyo and other institutions has successfully completed the test operations conducted since the satellite was released into orbit. Having confirmed that the satellite meets its specified performance requirements, the team has begun routine operations for scientific astronomical observations.
The astronomical nanosatellite VERTECS was launched from the Tanegashima Space Center at 9:53:59 a.m. Japan Standard Time on June 12, 2026, aboard H3 Launch Vehicle No. 6 (H3-30 test vehicle). After insertion into its designated orbit, the satellite successfully communicated with its operational ground stations.
The team then sequentially verified the satellite's power, communications, attitude control, data-processing and observation-system functions. During initial operations, the team pointed the satellite toward selected regions of the sky, imaged astronomical objects with its onboard visible-light instrument and transmitted the acquired observation data to the ground. These operations confirmed that both the satellite system and the observation instrument achieve their specified on-orbit performance and can conduct routine astronomical observations.
During routine operations, VERTECS will begin its primary mission: observing visible extragalactic background radiation to reveal the history of star and galaxy formation in the universe. Members of the participating institutions are operating the satellite, and operations and observations are planned to continue for a year. Kei Sano, assistant professor, Department of Space Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at Kyushu Institute of Technology , said, "VERTECS has completed its initial operations and functional checks of each onboard system and has now begun routine observations.
The initial images mark an important first step, demonstrating that the satellite can achieve its specified observational performance in space. "I sincerely thank the partner institutions and all the students, researchers and engineers who have supported the project and devoted themselves to its development and operation. We will now steadily accumulate and analyze observation data with the aim of producing new scientific results." Provided by Kyushu Institute of Technology BSc Life Sciences & Ecology.
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