Launch Time Change for Multi-functional Transport Satellite 2 (MTSAT-2) Aboard the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 9 (H-IIA F9)

February 17, 2006 (JST)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Rocket System Corporation

Rocket System Corporation (RSC) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) would like to announce a change in the launch time of the Multi-functional Transport Satellite 2 (MTSAT-2) aboard the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 9 (H-IIA F9) following the collision avoidance analysis with the manned space system(s)* which is performed one day prior to the launch day. The MTSAT-2 belongs to the Civil Aviation Bureau and the Japan Meteorological Agency under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Scheduled Launch Day: February 18 (Sat), 2006 (Japan Standard Time, JST)

Launch Time: between 3:27 thru 4:44 p.m. (JST)

(The time was originally scheduled between 3:26 thru 4:44 p.m. JST.)

* A collision avoidance analysis is an analysis carried out prior to a rocket launch to avoid a collision with manned space systems, such as the International Space Station, which are in orbit. In principal, a launch vehicle and any of its separated objects should not collide with manned space systems from the launch until its completion of the first round around the earth.