JAXA logo labeled.
May 18, 2012 (JST)
launch of H-IIA Rocket
SHIZUKU and the KOMPSAT-3 by H-IIA Launch Vehicle
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the Global Changing Observation Mission 1st - Water "SHIZUKU" (GCOM-W1) and the Korean Multi-purpose Satellite 3 (KOMPSAT-3) of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 21 (H-IIA F21) at 1:39 a.m. on May 18, 2012 (Japan Standard Time, JST) from the Tanegashima Space Center.
KOMPSAT-3
The launch vehicle flew smoothly, and, at about 16 minutes and 3 seconds after liftoff, the separation of the KOMPSAT-3, then at about 22 minutes and 59 seconds after liftoff, the separation of the SHIZUKU were confirmed respectively.
The GCOM-W (Global Change Observation Mission - Water) or Shizuku
Also we confirmed that the launch vehicle sent separation signals to the small satellites (SDS-4 and Horyu-2) as planned.
We would like to express our profound appreciation for the cooperation and support of all related personnel and organizations that helped contribute to the successful launch of the H-IIA F21.
At the time of the launch, the weather was fine, a wind speed was 4.9
meters/second from the west-north-west and the temperature was 18.7 degrees
Celsius.
Mission website:
H-IIA Launch Services Flight No.21 (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries): http://h2a.mhi.co.jp/en/f21/index.html
SHIZUKU Special Site: http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f21/index_e.html
Images, Video, Text, Credits: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) / Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
Cheers, Orbiter.ch
