Mexico

Québec expertise in orbit

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Business

Québec was on board when the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the IBUKI satellite on January 23. A team of specialists from ABB Analytical in Québec City developed a major component, crucial for the success of the space research project. At the request of NEC-Toshiba, the project’s main supplier, the team designed and perfected an interferometer. Valued at $10M, the contract is a boon for one of Québec’s high technology sectors.

Loupe

Photo : JAXA

This project is an impressive undertaking in many respects since the Greenhouse Gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) mission for which IBUKI is being used is a world first. The satellite’s orbiting will make it possible to track and measure the density of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The project demonstrates Japan’s leadership in technology and its bid to better control greenhouse gas emissions.

Launching the first ecological satellite was an ambitious endeavour and is a great source of pride for the Japanese. Japan already has a number of accomplishments to its credit in the space exploration sector. In addition to NEC-Toshiba Space Systems’ contribution to JAXA’s IBUKI satellite, financial support from the National Institute for Environmental Studies and Japan’s Ministry of the Environment clearly indicate the Japanese government’s political determination to play a decisive role in the global fight against climate change.

This prestigious achievement on the part of ABB Analytical in Québec City is highly regarded by the Québec Government Office in Tokyo, which provided the company with guidance from the onset of its initial steps in Japan in 2005. The project is an outstanding example of Québec’s expertise in a high tech sector.

Québec Government Office in Tokyo
ABB Analytical