JAXA has been carefully carrying out initial operations of the first Japanese infrared astronomy satellite "Akari," which was launched on Feb. 22, after we were not able to use the two-dimensional solar sensor, which is part of the attitude control sensor. In the afternoon of April 14, JAXA successfully removed the cover (aperture lid) of the telescope, and that marked the completion of major post-launch initial events. Both the power generation and attitude of the satellite are stable, and the observation system is also working normally. Professor Hiroshi Murakami, the Project Manager, commented, "We are barely at the start line for observation operations. I hope that everybody is looking forward to the observation results." The first observation results will be released in mid May.