LAUNCH CENTER

Success

Mon Sep 11 2006

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

JSE kougaku-2 gouki

Launch Successful

LAUNCH PREVIEW

Launch Time

(4:35 AM UTC)

Launch Window Start

(4:35 AM UTC)

Launch Window End

(4:35 AM UTC)

RECOVERY OVERVIEW

Location

No Recovery Specified

Type

No Recovery Specified

Rocket Details

Name:

H-IIA 202

Description:

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.

MISSION OVERVIEW

Type: Government/Top Secret
The IGS-Optical (Intelligence Gathering Satellite), built by Mitsubishi Electric (MELCO), is an optical reconnaissance satellite with a projected life of 5 years. The satellite will be operated by the Cabinet Satellite Information Center. The 850 kg IGS-Optical 1 is equipped with an optical sensor. The resolution is probably about 1 meter. The satellite serves both Japan's national defense and civil natural disaster monitoring.

COMPLEX OVERVIEW

Location

Tanegashima Space Center, Japan

Pad

Yoshinobu Launch Complex LP-1