September 14, 2013 Updated
Launch Result of Epsilon-1 with SPRINT-A aboard
JAXA launched the first Epsilon Launch Vehicle (Epsilon-1) with the Spectroscopic Planet Observatory for Recognition of Interaction of Atmosphere (SPRINT-A) onboard at 14:00 on September 14 (Sat.), 2013 (Japan Standard Time, JST) from the Uchinoura Space Center.The launch vehicle flew smoothly, and, at about 61 minutes and 39 seconds after liftoff, the separation of the SPRINT-A was confirmed.
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.
The satellite is currently in good health.
The SPRINT-A's nickname was also decided. It is "HISAKI".
September 12, 2013 Updated
Epsilon-1/SPRINT-A new launch date decided!
JAXA would like to announce that we have set the launch date and time of the first Epsilon Launch Vehicle (Epsilon-1) with the Spectroscopic Planet Observatory for Recognition of Interaction of Atmosphere (SPRINT-A) onboard as follows. Scheduled launch day: September 14 (Saturday), 2013
Scheduled launch time: 1:45:00 p.m.
JAXA will broadcast a live launch report from the Uchinoura Space Center from 1:25 p.m. on the day. You can watch it through the Internet.
Please send your support message for the launch on the special website, or tweet it including #Epsilon JAXA.
August 28, 2013 Updated
Updated Information about Epsilon-1 Launch Day
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is now investigating the cause of an automatic stop alarm issued approximately 19 seconds prior to liftoff during the Epsilon-1 launch countdown operation on August 27, 2013. As we have decided to carefully examine the cause and prudently confirm the measures, it is very difficult for us to set the new launch date within August. We will inform you about the results of our investigation into the cause and the new launch date as soon as they are respectively clarified.
Thank you for your patience.
August 27, 2013 Updated
Launch Cancellation of Epsilon-1 with SPRINT-A Onboard
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) cancelled today’s launch of the first Epsilon Launch Vehicle (Epsilon-1) with the Spectroscopic Planet Observatory for Recognition of Interaction of Atmosphere (SPRINT-A) onboard from the Uchinoura Space Center, because an automatic stop alarm was issued as an attitude abnormality was detected approximately 19 seconds prior to the liftoff time during the automatic countdown sequence. The launch had been originally scheduled for 1:45:00 p.m. today (Japan Standard Time).JAXA is currently investigating the cause.
August 25, 2013 Updated
Epsilon-1/SPRINT-A launch time decided! Live broadcast from 1:25 p.m. on August 27 (Tue.)
The launch time of the Epsilon Launch Vehicle with the SPRINT-A (Spectroscopic Planet Observatory for Recognition of Interaction of Atmosphere) was set for 1:45:00 on August 27 (Tue.), 2013 (Japan Standard Time).JAXA will broadcast a live launch report from the Uchinoura Space Center from 1:25 p.m. on the day. You can watch it through the Internet.
Please send your support message for the launch on the special website, or tweet it including #Epsilon JAXA.
August 8, 2013 Updated
Launch Postponement and Launch Time Change for Epsilon Launch Vehicle with SPRINT-A onboard
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) decided to postpone the launch of the first Epsilon Launch Vehicle (Epsilon-1) with the Spectroscopic Planet Observatory for Recognition of Interaction of Atmosphere (SPRINT-A) onboard to August 27, 2013, from the Uchinoura Space Center as JAXA has taken extra time to rectify the incompatibility* found in the ground support equipment during the communication function test between the Epsilon-1 and the equipment in the course of launch campaign at the launch site. The launch was originally scheduled for August 22, 2013 from the center. Scheduled launch day: August 27 (Tue.) 2013
Scheduled launch time window: 1:45 thru 2:30 p.m.