Press Release

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Wideband InterNetworking engineering test and
Demonstration Satellite “KIZUNA” (WINDS)
Deployment Results of Multi-beam Antennas

March 1, 2008 (JST)

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) deployed the multi-beam antennas of the KIZUNA (WINDS) about 12:47 p.m. on March 1, 2008 (Japan Standard Time, JST) by sending commands from Okinawa station.
We have confirmed that the deployment was successfully performed through telemetry data from the satellite and image data taken by the onboard camera. The image of the deployment are attached below.

The satellite is in good health.

We plan to shift the attitude control mode to the regular operation mode to move from the critical operation phase to the initial functional verification phase. We are scheduled to announce the start of the initial functional verification phase at around about 10:30 p.m. on March 1 (JST.)

(Note)

- Critical operation phase: the period of the satellite operation starting from its launch till the shift to the regular attitude control mode including separation from the launch vehicle, solar array paddle deployment, multi-beam antenna (MBA) deployment and the readiness to move to the initial functional verification phase.



Attachment

< Image of Multi-beam Antenna (MBA) Deployment >





Prior to MBA deployment
Click on images for enlargement