Second test of D-SEND #2
June 3, 2014 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) decided to begin preparations to perform the second test of the second phase of the "Drop test for Simplified Evaluation of Non-symmetrically Distributed sonic boom" (D-SEND #2) on July 22, 2014.
The first drop test was held on Aug. 16, 2013 (Sweden Standard Time), but the test aircraft deviated from its scheduled flight path after its separation from a balloon about 12 km short of the targeted boom measurement site. Thus a sonic boom under the expected flight conditions was not measured.
As a result, JAXA set up an investigation /countermeasure team to specify the cause by inviting outside experts for advice. The team clarified the cause (the report was released on Feb. 25, 2014) and, since then, JAXA has been studying countermeasures. We are now ready to prepare for the second drop test again. We will carefully carry out preparations while bracing ourselves for a successful test.
* The cause investigation and countermeasures report is published on the following project website (Japanese language only):
http://www.aero.jaxa.jp/spsite/d-send2/
- 1. Test period
- Between July 22 thru Aug 22, 2014 (Sweden Standard Time)
* The period is subject to change due to the preparation status.
* The decision to conduct the test will be finalized by coordinating with the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC), which operates the balloon according to weather conditions. - 2. Test site
- Sweden Esrange Space Center (Kiruna, Sweden)