Press Release

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The First Captive Firing Test
for the First Stage Flight Model Tank
for the H-IIB Launch Vehicle

March 30, 2009 (JST)

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. postponed the first captive firing test (CFT) on March 27, 2009 (all times and dates are Japan Standard Time) at the Tanegashima Space Center due to an abnormal phenomenon in the coolant supply.* After an investigation into the cause, we found that the supply valve (manual valve) for supplying coolant to the mobile launcher was closed. We checked the coolant supply system to resume the CFT, and confirmed that the system worked properly. Therefore, we would like to announce the new CFT date as follows.

* 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.

New CFT date : April 1 (Wed.) 2009
Test duration : 10 seconds
Test site : Yoshinobu Launch Complex, Tanegashima Space Center
Test purpose : (1) Comprehensive verification test for the first stage propulsion system using the actual fright model tank.
(2) Confirmation of the interface between the core launch vehicle and the facility.


The test day is subject to change due to weather or operational conditions.