Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Kiku-8 H-IIA 204
About the Kiku-8 Mission
- Type: Communications
- Orbit: Geostationary Transfer Orbit
- Launch Cost: $90,000,000
ETS-VIII (Engineering Test Satellite) is to be launched in 2006, with the main purpose of dealing with the increasing demand for digital communications, such as mobile phones and other mobile devices. The satellite, with a gross weight of around three tons and a diameter of 40 meters, has two Large Deployable Antenna Reflectors (LDAR) and two Solar Array paddles. One LDAR, about the size of a tennis court, is one of the world's largest geostationary satellites. Its size will enable direct communications with a geostationary satellite that covers all of Japan, making mobile communications more reliable. Currently under development are Large Deployable Antenna Reflectors with metal-mesh, high-power transponders, and on-board processors. The technologies used in the development of these LDARs will be applicable to other large space structures. A subscale test of the LDARs was flown as the LDREX experiment.
Launch Pad & Location
Yoshinobu Launch Complex LP-1
Tanegashima Space Center, Japan
The Yoshinobu Launch Complex LP-1 launch pad has hosted 57 rocket launches, including 57 orbital launch attempts. The Tanegashima Space Center, Japan launch site has been the location for 97 total 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.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA 204 Rocket
H-IIA (H2A) was an 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.
Learn more about the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA 204 Rocket
About Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is Japan's national aero-space agency. Through the merger of three previously independent organizations, JAXA was formed on 1 October 2003. JAXA is responsible for research, technology development and the launch of satellites into orbit, and is involved in many more advanced missions, such as asteroid exploration and possible manned exploration of the Moon. JAXA launch their Epsilon vehicle from the Uchinoura Space Center and their H-II vehicles from the Tanegashima Space Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency H-IIA Kiku-8 launch scheduled?
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency H-IIA Kiku-8 launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency H-IIA Kiku-8 mission launch from?
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency 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 Kiku-8 mission?
The Kiku-8 mission launched aboard a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency H-IIA rocket. H-IIA (H2A) was an 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 Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency H-IIA Kiku-8 launch?
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency H-IIA Kiku-8 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 Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency H-IIA Kiku-8 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency H-IIA launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Kiku-8 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 Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.