Postponement of the First Captive Firing Test (CFT)
of the First Stage Flight Model Tank for
the H-IIB Launch Vehicle
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. performed a cryogenic inspection for the first captive firing test (setting the X-time or firing time at 11:30 a.m.) on March 27, 2009 (all times and dates are Japan Standard Time) at the Tanegashima Space Center. After reviewing the data acquired through the inspection, we confirmed that the cryogenic inspection went well except that an abnormal phenomenon in the coolant supply* occurred during the automatic countdown sequence of the inspection. We immediately studied the situation and carried out all possible corrective measures against the abnormality; however, we found it was difficult to timely restore the normal operation. Therefore, we decided to postpone the captive firing test that was scheduled to take place after the cryogenic inspection.
We will investigate the cause and take appropriate measures.
The new test date will be announced as soon as it is determined.
* Abnormal phenomenon: coolant, which is supposed to pour and sprinkle for protecting the facilities and surrounding area when the launch vehicle engine is fired, did not pour and sprinkle.
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