November 29, 2006 Updated
Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" open to the press
On the On Nov. 28, the Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section and the Remote Manipulator System (Robotic Arm) of the Japanese Experimental Module (JEM) "Kibo" were open to the press at the Tsukuba Space Center. The Kibo is part of the International Space Station (ISS.)The Kibo is Japan's first manned space facility where astronauts can carry out activities for a long time. Up to four astronauts can be onboard the Kibo. The Kibo will be transported to the ISS by three Space Shuttle flights between 2007 and 2008.
The Experiment Logistic Module Pressurized Section and the Robotic Arm will be prepared for shipping to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in the U.S. to be ready for the launch.
November 14, 2006 Updated
Preparations for launch of KIKU No. 8 (ETS-VIII) and H-IIA F11 running smoothly
On the morning of Nov. 2 at the Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC), the "KIKU No. 8 (ETS-VIII)" completed its post-transportation function verification, and was moved from the Spacecraft and Fairing Assembly Building No. 2 (SFA2) to the Spacecraft and Fairing Assembly Building (SFA) for final preparations.On the ninth, the cryogenic test for the H-IIA Launch Vehicle Flight No.11 (H-IIA F11) was held at the TNSC.
Preparations for the payload and launch vehicle are running smoothly ahead of the launch scheduled for next month.
November 9, 2006 Updated
Mercury Transit across the Sun as Observed with
The Mercury transit event across the Sun that took place in the morning of 9 November 2006 JST was successfully observed in great detail with the three telescope instruments aboard Hinode satellite. Panels below show images from Hinode for the episode around the contact of Marcury to the solar disk (i.e., around first and second contacts).Each telescope is at this moment still under the stage of continuous adjustment and optimization after the launch to achieve its best-possible performance on orbit. Hence it should be noted the images presented here are not necessarily taken with the highest optical performance the relevant telescope would exhibit. Further improvement of image quality would be expected as the adjustment progresses.
All the telescope instruments aboard Hinode have so far been successfully performing their initial engineering observations. Mercury transit data acquired this time will be helpful for the adjustment of telescope optics as well as calibrating alignment information of the instruments.
November 6, 2006 Updated
KIKU No.8 (ETS-VIII?open to the press
The Engineering Test Satellite "KIKU No. 8 (ETS-VIII), which arrived at the Tanegashima Space Center in September, was open to the press on Nov. 1, and the satellite showed its body wrapped in black insulation material with its stowed antennas and solar array paddles. Launch preparations are proceeding smoothly.