March 1, 2008 Updated
"KIZUNA"Completion of the Critical Operation Phase
JAXA completed the critical operation phase of the KIZUNA (WINDS,) whose multi-beam antennas had been successfully deployed, at 8:35 p.m. on March 1 (JST.) We will further maneuver the orbit from the drift orbit to the geostationary orbit (at about 143 degrees east longitude) sometime around March 14. We will also carry out the initial functional verification of the onboard equipment for about four months.
February 29, 2008 Updated
News Flash [10]
13KB) (2:30 p.m.)February 29, 2008 Updated
News Flash [9]
78KB) (10:00 a.m.)February 27, 2008 Updated
News Flash [8]
13KB) (4:00 p.m.)February 27, 2008 Updated
News Flash [7]
83KB) (5:30 a.m.)February 26, 2008 Updated
News Flash [6]
13KB) (5:00 p.m.)February 26, 2008 Updated
News Flash [5]
83KB) (7:30 a.m.)February 25, 2008 Updated
News Flash [4]
15KB) (12:00 a.m.)February 25, 2008 Updated
News Flash [3]
95KB) (2:32 a.m.)February 24, 2008 Updated
News Flash [2]
32KB) (12:00 p.m.)February 24, 2008 Updated
News Flash [1]
78KB) (4:00 a.m.)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 (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 18, 2008 Updated
Launch Preparation Status of the KIZUNA (WINDS) by H-IIA F14
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency have postponed the launch of the Wideband InterNetworking engineering test and Demonstration Satellite "KIZUNA" (WINDS) by H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 14 (H-IIA F14) due to an incompatibility found with the gas jet thruster for second stage attitude control.Based on the progress of the investigation and replacement work of the problematic part that were carried out until yesterday, we are now preparing to launch the KIZUNA on February 23, as the earliest, or later.
We will carefully watch the progress of the current operations and announce the exact launch date as soon as it is determined.
February 6, 2008 Updated
"KIZUNA" moved to Vehicle Assembly Building
On Feb. 5, the Wideband InterNetworking engineering test and Demonstration Satellite “KIZUNA” (WINDS) was transferred to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB.) (Photo below)At the VAB, the fairing encapsulated KIZUNA will be slung up 41 meters to the top of the second stage tank for loading. The launch is only 10 days away.
February 4, 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 1, 2008 Updated
"KIZUNA" encapsulated in payload fairing
On Jan 31, the Wideband InterNetworking engineering test and Demonstration Satellite “KIZUNA” (WINDS) was encapsulated in the payload fairing at the Spacecraft and Fairing Assembly Building (SFA.) The fairing for the KIZUNA is 4S-type, which is 4 meters in diameter and 12 meters in height. It is a cover to protect the satellite from air resistance, friction heat, and acoustic vibration until the launch vehicle passes through the atmosphere.The encapsulated “KIZUNA” will be loaded onto the launch vehicle at the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB.)
January 30, 2008 Updated
"KIZUNA" mated with the PAF
On Jan. 29, the Wideband InterNetworking engineering test and Demonstration Satellite “KIZUNA” was mated with the PAF at the Spacecraft and Fairing Assembly Building (SFA.) PAF stands for the Payload Attach Fitting, which is a connection stand between the launch vehicle and the payload.
January 8, 2008 Updated
"KIZUNA" transferred to SFA building
On Jan. 8, the Wideband InterNetworking engineering test and Demonstration Satellite "KIZUNA" (WINDS) was moved to the Spacecraft and Fairing Assembly Building (SFA) from the Spacecraft Test and Assembly Building No. 2 (STA2) at the Tanegashima Space Center.The sunrise in Tanegashima today was at 7:18 a.m., and the transfer operations started before eight o’clock in the morning, thus the STA2 and a satellite container for transportation were both shining in pale red under the morning sunshine.
The "KIZUNA" will next be loaded with fuel, encapsulated by a payload fairing, then mated with the launch vehicle.
December 21, 2007 Updated
KIZUNA satellite open to the press at TNSC
The Wideband InterNetworking engineering test and Demonstration Satellite "KIZUNA" (WINDS) was opened to the public on Dec. 21 at the Spacecraft Test and Assembly Building No. 2 at the Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC). The KIZUNA was transported from Tsukuba to the TNSC in October.The KIZUNA, which is covered by black insulation material with stowed solar array paddles, is about eight meters in height. The satellite looks very impressive as it is taller than a typical two-story house.
December 5, 2007 Updated
Launch day set for "KIZUNA" KIZUNA Special Site is now open!
The launch day of the Wideband InterNetworking engineering test and Demonstration Satellite "KIZUNA" (WINDS) by H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 14 (H-IIA F14) has been set at February 15, 2008. The launch time is between 4:27 and 4:39 p.m.(Japan Standard Time, JST). The "KIZUNA/H-IIA F14 Launch Special Site" is also now open. Please enjoy updated information on the "KIZUNA" and "H-IIA F14" through this special site.
