Launch Result of the Optical Inter-orbit Communications Engineering Test Satellite (OICETS) and Innovative Technology Demonstration Experiment Satellite (INDEX)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
The Optical Inter-orbit Communications Engineering Test Satellite (OICETS) and the Innovative Technology Demonstration Experiment Satellite (INDEX) were launched at 6:10 a.m. on August 24, 2005, (Japan Standard Time, JST) by a Dnepr Launch Vehicle* from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The Dnepr Launch Vehicle flew normally, and JAXA confirmed that the OICETS and the INDEX were separated at 6:25:10 a.m. and 6:25:14 a.m. (JST) respectively, and were injected into their scheduled orbits based on information from the ISC Kosmotras.
JAXA’s Kiruna Overseas Mobile Tracking Station started receiving signals from the OICETS at 7:39 a.m. (JST), and through those signals, deployment of the solar array paddles was confirmed.
JAXA is scheduled to receive a signal from the INDEX at 12:18 p.m. (JST) at the Uchinoura Space Center.
The nickname of the OICETS is the “Kirari“, and that of the INDEX will be announced after its status is confirmed.
We would like to express our appreciation for cooperation and support from all related personnel and organizations that helped contribute to this successful launch.
| * | The Dnepr Launch vehicle is a converted liquid-fuelled SS-18 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. Management of the Dnepr program is carried out by ISC Kosmotras (Russia and Ukraine.) All four launches carried out by the Dnepr have been successful. |
Tsukuba Public Affairs Group, Public Affairs Department, JAXA
TEL: +81-29-868-4277,4279, 4280 FAX: 81-29-868-5966
For more information about the INDEX:
Public Relations Team at the Uchinoura Space Center, JAXA
Tel: +81-994-31-6978, Fax: +81+994-67-3811
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For inquiries:
JAXA Public Affairs Department
Tel: +81-3-6266-6413 to 7, Fax: +81-3-6266-6910