February 23, 2008 Updated
Launch Result of the KIZUNA by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 14
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the Wideband InterNetworking engineering test and Demonstration Satellite "KIZUNA" (WINDS) by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 14 (H-IIA F14) at 5:55 p.m. on February 23, 2008 (Japan Standard Time, JST) from the Tanegashima Space Center.The launch vehicle flew smoothly, and, at about 28 minutes and 3 seconds after liftoff, the separation of the KIZUNA was confirmed.
February 20, 2008 Updated
New Launch Day of the KIZUNA by H-IIA F14
Today, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and the JAXA confirmed we could carry out the launch on February 23, 2008 (JST) based on the progress of the investigation and replacement work that was concluded yesterday. The launch time has been set between 4:20 and 5:55 p.m. (JST.)JAXA will start its broadcast of the KIZUNA launch from the Tanegashima Space Center. You can watch the live report through the Internet, at JAXA facilities, JAXA i, science museums and public viewing areas. It will also be broadcast by some cable TV stations and through the (FOMA) mobile phone service.
February 13, 2008 Updated
Launch Postponement of the KIZUNA (WINDS)
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency would like to announce that we have decided to postpone the launch of the Wideband InterNetworking engineering test and Demonstration Satellite "KIZUNA" (WINDS) by H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 14 (H-IIA F14) as an incompatibility was found with the gas jet thruster for second stage attitude control when propellant loading operations for the thruster were being carried out last night. Since it is expected to take time to deal with the problem, we decided to postpone the launch.The launch was originally scheduled for February 15, 2008 (Japan Standard Time, JST.)
The new launch date will be announced as soon as it is determined.
February 6, 2008 Updated
"KIZUNA" finally moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building
JAXA broadcast starts at 4:00 p.m. on the 15th (JST)
On Feb. 5, the super high-speed Internet satellite “KIZUNA” (WINDS) was transferred to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB.) The satellite will be loaded onto the H-IIA to be ready for the launch.On the 15th at 4:00 p.m. (Japan Standard Time), JAXA will start its broadcast of the KIZUNA launch from the Tanegashima Space Center. You can watch the live report through the Internet, at JAXA facilities, JAXA i, science museums and public viewing areas. It will also be broadcast by some cable TV stations and through the (FOMA) mobile phone service.