JAXA logo.
September 14, 2013 (JST)
Artist's view of the launch of the Epsilon-1 rocket
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency launched the first Epsilon Launch Vehicle (Epsilon-1) with the Spectroscopic Planet Observatory for Recognition of Interaction of Atmosphere (SPRINT-A) onboard at 2:00 p.m. on September 14 (Sat.), 2013 (Japan Standard Time, JST) from the Uchinoura Space Center.
Epsilon-1 Launch Sep.14.2013
The launch vehicle flew smoothly, and, at about 61 minutes and 39 seconds after liftoff, the separation of the SPRINT-A was confirmed.
Image above: Epsilon-1 description:
(1) Vertical line (thin line): showing our one-step-up evolution and streamlining from our conventional development policy
(2) Logo: sharp lines and a big E emphasize "Epsilon (ε)"
(3) Star mark: indicating our strong desire and intention to probe planets
(4) Vertical line (thick line): shows our magnificent history from the Pencil Rocket through the M-V Launch Vehicle.
(5) Zone line (all around the launch vehicle): our traditional coloring with two colors for our solid-fuel launch vehicles.
We would like to express our profound appreciation for the cooperation and support of all related personnel and organizations that helped contribute to the launch of the Epsilon-1.
Artist's view of the SPRINT-A spacecraft
At the time of the launch, the weather was cloudy, a wind speed was 8.1 meters/second from the east-north-east and the temperature was 27.2 degrees Celsius.
Epsilon Launch Vehicle (Epsilon-1)
Launch Sequence (Quick Review):
*1 The values are based on quick report results before detailed data evaluation.
Mission website:
Epsilon Launch Vehicle/SPRINT-A Special Site: http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/epsilon/index_e.html
Epsilon Launch Vehicle: http://www.jaxa.jp/projects/rockets/epsilon/index_e.html
Spectroscopic Planet Observatory for Recognitionof Interaction of Atmosphere (SPRINT-A): http://www.jaxa.jp/projects/sat/sprint_a/index_e.html
Images, Video, Text, Credits: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
Greetings, Orbiter.ch
