October 31, 2006 Updated
Protective doors of the telescopes onboard
The sun-observing satellite "Hinode (SOLAR-B)," launched on Sep. 23, 2006, (JST) by the M-V Launch Vehicle No. 7 from the Uchinoura Space Center, has completed its major initial operations including orbit adjustment to a sun-synchronous orbit and performance verification of the attitude control function. The protective doors of all three onboard telescopes have now been opened. The satellite started observing the sun in order to verify the performance of the three telescopes. For about the next month, observation activities will progress until they reach the implementation of a scientific operation mode.October 30, 2006 Updated
"KIKU No. 8," a final spurt ahead of launch
Various activities are underway ahead of the launch of the "KIKU No. 8" including announcements about the launch day, its nickname, and its symbol character "KIKU Hachi-zo."The "KIKU No. 8 (ETS-VIII)," which had been delivered to the TNSC, was unpacked and reassembled, and a final functional verification test was carried out.
As the final preparation for launch, the "KIKU No. 8" will be loaded with propellant, installed with pyrotechnics, and placed on the launch vehicle.
October 27, 2006 Updated
Launch day is set! Special site is open!
The launch day of the Engineering Test Satellite VIII "KIKU No. 8 (ETS-VIII)" is set for December 16, 2006. We have opened a special site to provide you with the latest information about "KIKU No. 8 (ETS-VIII)" and H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 11 (H-IIA No.11.) Please enjoy this site.October 23, 2006 Updated
Engineering Test Satellite VIII (ETS-VIII) nicknamed
The Engineering Test Satellite VIII (ETS-VIII) was nicknamed "KIKU No.8" ("KIKU" means "chrysanthemum" in English.) The ETS series has been named "KIKU" since its first satellite.The catchphrase for the "KIKU No. 8" is:
Opening the door to the future by deploying big antennas and providing security
-- Large-size satellite opens up new mobile phone communication world --
JAXA has been conducting the ETS series project with the aim of achieving satellite technology that can meet the needs of the future.
"KIKU No. 8," or the 8th ETS, will challenge technological standards in communications and positioning that can make our life more convenient and comfortable.
The ETS-VIII symbol character "KIKU Hachi-zo" was born to help the public feel closer to the satellite. We hope you like both the satellite and the mascot.
October 16, 2006 Updated
Lunar exploration satellite "SELENE" make its appearance
On Oct. 13, the lunar exploration satellite, Selenological Engineering Explorer (SELENE), introduced itself to the public at the Tsukuba Space Center. The SELENE is 2.1 meters both in length and width, 4.8 meters in height, and three tons in weight including its two sub-satellites (each of which is about 50 kg.) The satellite is scheduled to be launched by an H-IIA launch vehicle from the Tanegashima Space Center in the summer of next year. It then will circulate on a lunar orbit 100 km above the moon for a year to elucidate the mystery of the lunar origin and development by observing the distribution of elements and minerals on the surface of the moon, its geographical features, surface structure, and gravity and magnetic fields in details.