IMV Corporation, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of vibration test systems, has received formal recognition from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for its contribution to the GOSAT-GW Earth observation satellite programme. The letter of appreciation — awarded by JAXA Project Manager Yasushi Kojima — acknowledges the critical role IMV’s equipment and expertise played in preparing the satellite for launch.
GOSAT-GW: Monitoring Earth’s Climate From Orbit
GOSAT-GW (also known as Ibuki GW) is an Earth observation satellite designed to monitor atmospheric greenhouse gases and the global water cycle. Successfully launched on 29 June 2025, the satellite is now in stable operation and collecting environmental data that will inform climate science for years to come.
Prior to launch, IMV supported the GOSAT-GW project team by performing precision balance adjustments to reduce vibration generated by the satellite’s high-performance microwave radiometer during rotation. This type of vibration attenuation is a complex, high-precision task — the kind of work that demands both world-class test equipment and deep application expertise.
IMV’s Uenohara Advanced Test Centre
The balance adjustment work was carried out at IMV’s Uenohara Advanced Test Centre, where JAXA engineers visited in March 2026 to formally present the letter of appreciation. The facility is equipped with IMV’s most advanced vibration test systems, capable of supporting programmes from component-level qualification through to full satellite structure testing.
In the UK, THP Systems provides access to IMV Corporation‘s test system range, including the high-force IMV J-Series vibration test systems (16 kN to 54 kN) and the large-format IMV EM-Series (8 kN to 125 kN) — both widely used in aerospace and defence qualification programmes. For programmes requiring combined environmental testing, IMV systems can be paired with climatic chambers for temperature-vibration test sequences.
Proven in the Most Demanding Applications
The JAXA recognition is a strong endorsement of IMV’s reliability in mission-critical aerospace applications. Satellites must withstand the extreme mechanical loads of launch — and if a component fails during vibration qualification, the consequences are significant. IMV’s track record in supporting Japanese and international space programmes reflects decades of refinement in both hardware design and test process engineering.
THP Systems customers in the UK aerospace and defence sector can draw on this same expertise. Our team can advise on IMV A-Series vibration test system and larger IMV platforms, and support the full test lifecycle from specification through to post-test data analysis.
Explore IMV vibration test systems for your aerospace programme. Contact THP Systems to discuss your requirements or request a demonstration.
Original source: https://we-are-imv.com/en/news/press/item/70856/
