JAXA - Epsilon-02 / ERG Mission patch.
Dec. 20, 2016
Launch of ERG "ARASE" by Epsilon-2
JAXA successfully launched the second Epsilon Launch Vehicle with Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace (ERG) aboard at 8:00 p.m. on December 20, 2016 (JST) from the Uchinoura Space Center. The launch vehicle flew as planned, and at approximately 13 minutes and 27 seconds after liftoff, the separation of ERG was confirmed.
Launch of ERG "ARASE" by Epsilon-2
The signals were received in the Santiago Ground Station, the Republic of Chile at 8:37 p.m. (JST). ERG's solar array paddles have been deployed as planned. Also, ERG has completed the attitude control based on the sun acquisition. The satellite is currently in good health. JAXA has nicknamed ERG "ARASE".
Energization and Radiation in Geospace (ERG) satellite
Japan’s Epsilon rocket launches JAXA’s Exploration of Energization and Radiation in Geospace (ERG) satellite to investigate the Van Allen radiation belts and study the origins of geomagnetic storms. This launch is the second flight of Japan’s small Epsilon launch vehicle.
JAXA has nicknamed ERG "ARASE" for the following reasons:
- ERG starts a new journey to Van Allen radiation belts, located in the Earth's inner magnetosphere, where energetic charged particles are trapped. "ARASE", a Japanese word for a river raging with rough white water is a fitting description for the journey that lies ahead of ERG.
- After Arase River, which runs Kimotsuki, Kagoshima, where JAXA's Uchinoura Space Center is located. Arase River has a local folktale of bird's beautiful singing. Since ERG observes "chorus" *, it conveys the significance well.
* Chorus is a plasma wave generated in the magnetic equator of Earth's magnetosphere. Its frequency band ranges within several kHz. Audibly converted, Chorus sounds much like bird's singing.
Related links / References:
Epsilon Launch Vehicle: http://global.jaxa.jp/projects/rockets/epsilon/
Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace (ERG): http://global.jaxa.jp/projects/sat/erg/
For more information about Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), visit: http://global.jaxa.jp/
Images, Video, Text, Credits: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)/Orbiter.ch Aerospace.
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