Success of Epsilon-2 Launch with ERG Aboard
December 20, 2016 (JST)
National Research and Development Agency
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency successfully launched the second Epsilon Launch Vehicle with Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace (ERG) aboard at 8:00 p.m. on December 20, 2016 (JST) from the Uchinoura Space Center. The launch vehicle flew as planned, and at approximately 13 minutes and 27 seconds after liftoff, the separation of ERG was confirmed.
The weather at the time of the launch was fine, the wind speed was 0.7 meters/second, from the SSE, and the temperature was 17.0 degrees Celsius.
Epsilon-2 Launch Sequence (Quick Review)
| Event | Actual value (Quick review) *1 |
|---|---|
| 1. Liftoff | 0 min. 0 sec. |
| 2. First stage solid motor burnout *2 | 1 min. 52 sec. |
| 3. Payload fairing separation | 2 min. 31 sec. |
| 4. First and second stages separation | 2 min. 40 sec. |
| 5. Second stage solid motor ignition *3 | 2 min. 45 sec. |
| 6. Second stage solid motor burnout *2 | 4 min. 54 sec. |
| 7. Second and Third stages separation | 6 min. 37 sec. |
| 8. Third stage solid motor ignition *3 | 6 min. 41 sec. |
| 9. Third stage solid motor burnout *2 | 8 min. 11 sec. |
| 10. ERG separation | 13 min. 27 sec. |
*1 Quick estimation value prior to the detailed estimation.
*2 When the combustion chamber pressure becomes 5% or less against the largest combustion pressure.
*3 When the combustion chamber pressure becomes 5% or more against the largest combustion pressure.