Is AKARI still operating?
Is this infrared astronomy satellite still scanning the universe?
Using its near-mid-infrared camera, AKARI imaged objects at different wavelengths
AKARI is an infrared astronomy satellite developed by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), with participation of several institutes in Europe and Korea. Sadly it suffered a major electrical failure that rendered its science instruments inoperable and the mission was terminated in November 2011.
Before its termination, the mission successfully studied star formations over three generations in a nebula within the constellation Vulpecula. It also viewed active star formation in the Pinwheel galaxy (M101), as well as dust processing in supernova remnants in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The mission additionally studied other regions of star formation and evolution in areas of our galaxy before its five-year-nine-month mission came to an end.
Image Credit: JAXA