Imager for Magnetopause to Aurora Global Exploration (IMAGE) Successfully Launched!

• Launched:

  • 20:35 UT, 15:35 EST, 25 March 2000

• Key Science Objective:

  • Make the invisible magnetosphere visible, reveal the big picture of space weather

• Hardware Status:

  • Orbit, TM all nominal
  • Nutation damper inoperative at low spin periods
  • Magnetic torquers to control nutation fully operational
  • Now in Initial Orbital Checkout

• Activation Activities:

  • Antenna deployments will take ~ 30 days
  • HV instruments wait for final spin rate
  • Activation complete ~15 May 2000

• E&PO Activities:

  • “First Light” Press Conference Planned
  • Fall AGU Special Session Planned