Epsilon (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)
The Epsilon is a non-reusable, active launch vehicle manufactured by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (established in 2003). It undertook its inaugural launch on 09/14/2013.
The Epsilon rocket is a Japanese solid-fuel rocket designed to launch scientific satellites. It is a follow-on project to the larger and more expensive M-V rocket which was retired in 2006. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) began developing the Epsilon in 2007. It is capable of placing a 590 kg payload into Sun-synchronous orbit.
Epsilon Specifications
| Length | 24.4 m |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 2.5 m |
| Stages | 3-4 |
| Launch Mass | 91 T |
| Takeoff Thrust | 2271 kN |
| SSO Capacity | 590 kg |
| Launch Cost | $39,000,000 |
Epsilon Launch Record
| Total Launches | 6 |
|---|---|
| Successful Launches | 5 |
| Failed Launches | 1 |
Manufacturer
Administrator: Hiroshi Yamakawa
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.