Press Release

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Launch Result of the Engineering Test Satellite
"KIKU No. 8" (ETS-VIII) / H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 11

December 18, 2006 (JST)

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

The H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 11 (H-IIA F11) with the Engineering Test Satellite VIII "KIKU No. 8" (ETS-VIII) onboard was launched at 3:32 p.m. on December 18, 2006 (Japan Standard Time, JST.) The initial flight angle (azimuth) was 97 degrees.
The launch vehicle flew smoothly, and, at 27 minutes and 35 seconds after liftoff, the "KIKU No. 8" separation was confirmed.

The Santiago station (in Chile) started receiving signals from the "KIKU No. 8" at 4:27 p.m. (JST), and by those signals, JAXA confirmed that the solar array paddle deployment was successfully completed.

We would like to express our profound appreciation for the cooperation and support of all related personnel and organizations that helped contribute to the successful launch of the H-IIA F11.


This information is also available on the following website:
KIKU No.8 / H-IIA No.11 Special site



H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.11 Launch Sequence
(Quick Review)

EventActual value
(Quick review)*1
Scheduled value*2
(Predicted value based on actual measurement data)
1. Liftoff
2. Solid rocket booster (SRB-A) burnout
3. Solid rocket booster (SRB-A) 1st pair jettison
4. Solid rocket booster (SRB-A) 2nd pair jettison
5. Payload fairing jettison
6. Main engine cutoff (MECO)
7. 1st and 2nd stages separation
8. Second stage engine 1st time ignition
(SEIG1)
9. Second stage engine 1st time cutoff
(SECO)
10.Second stage engine 2nd time ignition
(SEIG 2)
11 Second stage engine 2nd time cutoff
(SECO 2)
12. KIKU No. 8 separation
0 second
1 minutes 50 seconds
2 min. and 05 sec.
2 min. and 08 sec.
4 min. and 03 sec.
6 min. and 39 sec.
6 min. and 47 sec.
6 min. and 57 sec.

11 min and 49 sec.

23 min. and 00 sec.

26 min. and 46 sec

27 min. and 35 sec.
0 second
1 minutes 52 seconds
2 min. and 07sec.
2 min. and 10 sec.
4 min. and 05 sec.
6 min. and 39 sec.
6 min. and 47 sec.
6 min. and 57 sec.

11 min and 54 sec.

23 min. and 04 sec.

26 min. and 45 sec

27 min. and 35 sec.

(*1) The values are based on quick report results without detailed data evaluation.
(*2) The values are updated ones based on actual measurement data such as thrust characteristics which are unique for the H-IIA F11 engines. Therefore they are slightly different from the values in the Launch/Tracking and Control Plan.


For inquiries:
JAXA Public Affairs Department
Tel: +81-3-6266-6413 to 7, Fax: +81-3-6266-6910
General Administration Division, Tanegaghima Space Center
Tel: +81-997-26-9262 to 3