Japan’s H2A Successfully Launches Environmental Satellites

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Japan’s H2A Successfully Launches Environmental Satellites

More Information:

Japan’s H2A successfully launched Midori 2 (ADEOS 2) and 3 microsatellites from the Yoshinobu launch complex at Tanegashima Space Center at 01:31 UTC on December 14. The three auxiliary spacecraft were FedSat, Kantakun, and Micro-LabSat. The satellites were placed in an 803 km, circular sun-synchronous orbit, inclined at 98.7 degrees. The H2A launch was priced at US$76 million (9.4 billion yen).

The 3730 kg (8221 lbm) ADEOS 2 was built by Mitsubisihi for NASDA at a cost of US$570 million (70 billion yen). Midori 2 is designed to measure vapor levels in the atmosphere, sea temperatures and the distribution of vegetation and clouds. Equipped with five US and French-made sensors, it has a planned life of 3 years.

The 58 kg (128 lbm) FedSat spacecraft was provided by Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) at a cost of US$11.2 million. The satellite will perform a variety of communication, science and engineering tests. It is also intended to bring broadband Internet services to remote parts of Australia. The satellite has an expected life of 3 years.

The 50 kg (110 lbm) Kantakun spacecraft (Whale Ecology Observation Satellite) was developed by the Chiba Institute of Technology. It will operate in orbit for one or two years, tracking whales fitted with special electronic packs that provide location, environmental information, and various other data points.

NASDA's 68 kg (150 lbm) Micro-LabSat spacecraft was built by young Japanese engineers to allow them to gain experience.

NASDA's backlog now consists of a maximum of nine firm launches booked through about 2007, with options for launching the H-2 Transfer Vehicle (HTV). The next launch for the H-2A is scheduled for February when the fifth flight will loft a pair of military reconnaissance craft for Japan.

Japan plans shift production and marketing of the H2A to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. beginning in April 2005. Plans call for the development of an augmented version of the H-2A to carry up to 7.5 tons to geostationary transfer orbit. The new version could possibly have a widebody first stage with two LE-7A engines instead of just one. The upgrade is necessary to launch the HTV, though future commercial satellites could utilize that performance.

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December 16, 2002