Astro-H (Hitomi)
H-IIA 202
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Rocket Launch Video
Mission
Astro-H (Hitomi)
- Type: Astrophysics
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
- Launch Cost: $90,000,000
Astro-H is the 6th satellite in a series of X-ray telescopes by JAXA and ISAS. Its 4 instruments on board will cover the X-ray and Gamma ray regions. This region consists of photons with energy ranging from 0.3-600keV, and the telescope will provide the highest resolution ever achieved of 3-10 keV bands. The craft weighs 2.7 tonnes and will be placed into a circular orbit 575km above the ground, with an inclination of 31 degrees.
Location
Yoshinobu Launch Complex LP-1
Tanegashima Space Center, Japan
Yoshinobu Launch Complex LP-1 has witnessed the launch of 57 rockets, including 57 orbital launch attempts. While Tanegashima Space Center, Japan, has been the site for 97 rocket launches.
The Tanegashima Space Center is the largest rocket-launch complex in Japan. It is located on the southeastern tip of Tanegashima, an island located south of Kyushu, an island and region and Japan. It was established in 1969 when the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) was formed, and is now run by JAXA. The activities that take place at TNSC include assembly, testing, launching, and tracking satellites, as well as rocket engine firing tests.
Rocket
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA 202
H-IIA (H2A) is an active expendable launch system operated by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The liquid-fueled H-IIA rockets have been used to launch satellites into geostationary orbit, to launch a lunar orbiting spacecraft, and to launch Akatsuki, which studied the planet Venus. Launches occur at the Tanegashima Space Center.
Agency
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. is a Japanese multinational engineering, electrical equipment and electronics company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. MHI is one of the core companies of the Mitsubishi Group.
MHI's products include aerospace components, air conditioners, aircraft, automotive components, forklift trucks, hydraulic equipment, machine tools, missiles, power generation equipment, printing machines, ships and space launch vehicles. Through its defense-related activities, it is the world's 23rd-largest defense contractor measured by 2011 defense revenues and the largest based in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA Astro-H (Hitomi) launch scheduled?
The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA Astro-H (Hitomi) launch was scheduled for:
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Where can I watch the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA Astro-H (Hitomi) launch video?
You can watch the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA launch video on this page. The official video includes full mission coverage with multiple camera angles, onboard views, and expert commentary covering pre-launch procedures, liftoff, stage separation, and payload deployment.
Where did the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA Astro-H (Hitomi) mission launch from?
The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA rocket launched from Yoshinobu Launch Complex LP-1 at Tanegashima Space Center, Japan. The Tanegashima Space Center is the largest rocket-launch complex in Japan. It is located on the southeastern tip of Tanegashima, an island located south of Kyushu, an island and region and Japan. It was established in 1969 when the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) was formed, and is now run by JAXA. The activities that take place at TNSC include assembly, testing, launching, and tracking satellites, as well as rocket engine firing tests.
What rocket was used for the Astro-H (Hitomi) mission?
The Astro-H (Hitomi) mission launched aboard a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA rocket. H-IIA (H2A) is an active expendable launch system operated by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The liquid-fueled H-IIA rockets have been used to launch satellites into geostationary orbit, to launch a lunar orbiting spacecraft, and to launch Akatsuki, which studied the planet Venus. Launches occur at the Tanegashima Space Center. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA Astro-H (Hitomi) launch?
The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA Astro-H (Hitomi) launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA Astro-H (Hitomi) launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Astro-H (Hitomi) mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official Mitsubishi Heavy Industries live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.
