February 26, 2005 Updated
Launch Result of MTSAT-1R/H-IIA F7
The H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 7 (H-IIA F7) with the Multi-functional Transport Satellite-1 Replacement (MTSAT-1R) onboard was launched at 6:25 p.m. on February 26, 2005 (Japan Standard time). The initial flight angle was 102 degrees.The launch vehicle flew smoothly, and, at 40 minutes and 2 seconds after liftoff, the MTSAT-1R separation was confirmed.
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 F7.
For your information, the satellite was named "Himawari (meaning "sunflower") No. 6".
+ Press Release
Countdown page (RSC)
H-IIA Launch Vehicle
February 24, 2005 Updated
New Launch Day of MTSAT-1R/H-IIA F7 is Feb. 26
The launch of the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 7 (H-IIA F7) with the Multi- functional Transport Satellite-1 Replacement (MTSAT-1R) onboard has been rescheduled to no earlier than February 26, 2005 (Japan Standard Time, JST) due to unfavorable weather.Today, after the weather forecast was thoroughly examined, the new launch date was determined to be February 26.
February 22, 2005 Updated
Launch Postponement of MTSAT-1R/H-IIA F7
The launch of the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 7 (H-IIA F7) with the Multi-functional Transport Satellite-1 Replacement (MTSAT-1R) onboard has been rescheduled due to unfavorable weather. The new launch day will be no earlier than February 26 (Sat), 2005 (Japan Standard Time, JST).The launch was originally scheduled on February 24 (Thu), 2005 (JST) from the Tanegashima Space Center.
The new launch date will be announced as soon as it is determined.
February 21, 2005 Updated
H-IIA F7: moved into countdown operations
The launch preparation for the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.7 has been underway.The launch has been commissioned to Rocket System Corporation(RSC).On the 19th (Sat), the final launch readiness review was held as scheduled to confirm current operations and the preparation status for launch. As a result ofthe review, it was determined to move into countdown operations, and on the 20th (Sun), the "three days before the launch day operations (Y-3 countdown operations)" were carried out for the Multi-functional Transport Satellite-1 Replacement (MTSAT-1R) and the H-IIA Launch Vehicle Flight No.7.
February 18, 2005 Updated
H-IIA F7: Final checkout for the launch vehicle
The launch preparation for the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.7 has been underway.The launch has been commissioned to Rocket System Corporation(RSC).The final functional checkout is being performed on schedule at the Tanegashima Space Center today. An inspection of the electrical systems is being carried out and mostly covers checking the circuit for pyrotechnics attached to the fairing section for payload separation, functional verification of the onboard CCD cameras, and inspection of the batteries.
February 16, 2005 Updated
H-IIA F7: satellite and veheicle finally mated
The launch preparation for the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.7 has been underway. The launch has been commissioned to Rocket System Corporation(RSC).After moving to the VAB, the encapsulated satellite is now being slung to the top of the launch vehicle to be loaded onto the second stage. The MTSAT-1R has been prepared for launch since in the SFA-2, and the launch vehicle has been done so in the VAB. After separated preparation operations, the satellite and vehicle are finally mated in one piece.
February 14, 2005 Updated
H-IIA F7: Payload and launch vehicle mating
Launch operations for the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 7 (H-IIA F7), scheduled to be launched on Feb. 24, are proceeding smoothly.On Feb. 8, a payload of the H-IIA F7, the Multi-functional Transport Satellite-1Replacement (MTSAT-1R) was mated with a payload adapter that is a separation part of the payload and launch vehicle. Preparations are underway for encapsulating the payload by the fairing, which is scheduled for Feb. 10 and 11.
February 7, 2005 Updated
The cryogenic test on the H-IIA F7
The cryogenic test on the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 7 (H-IIA F7) was successfully completed on Feb. 6 (Sun). The H-IIA F7 is scheduled to be launched on Feb. 24.The purpose of the test is to verify the functions by filling liquid propellants (liquid hydrogen and oxygen) into the launch vehicle in the same process as that of the launch day.
February 2, 2005 Updated
H-IIA Launch Vehicle Flight No.7 (H-IIA F7) countdown page
The countdown site for the H-IIA F7, which is scheduled for launch on Feb. 24, has just been opened.The launch has been commissioned to Rocket System Corporation (RSC).
The site is full of information about launch activities including multimedia materials. Please visit and enjoy the site.
Countdown page start
H-IIA Launch Vehicle