Launch Result of Epsilon-1 with SPRINT-A aboard

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency launched the first Epsilon Launch Vehicle (Epsilon-1) with the Spectroscopic Planet Observatory for Recognition of Interaction of Atmosphere (SPRINT-A) onboard at 2:00 p.m. on September 14 (Sat.), 2013 (Japan Standard Time, JST) from the Uchinouora Space Center.

The launch vehicle flew smoothly, and, at about 61 minutes and 39 seconds after liftoff, the separation of the SPRINT-A was confirmed.

We would like to express our profound appreciation for the cooperation and support of all related personnel and organizations that helped contribute to the launch of the Epsilon-1.

At the time of the launch, the weather was cloudy, a wind speed was 8.1 meters/second from the east-north-east and the temperature was 27.2 degrees Celsius.

URL: http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2013/09/20130914_epsilon_e.html

SPRINT-A: Solar Array Paddles Deployment and Nickname Decided

September 14, 2013 (JST)

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) confirmed that the Spectroscopic Planet Observatory for Recognition of Interaction of Atmosphere (SPRINT-A) has deployed its solar array paddles (SAPs) normally at 15:49 p.m. today through data received at the Uchinoura Ground Station. The SPRINT-A was launched by the Epsilon-1 from the Uchinoura Space Center at 14:00 p.m. on September 14, 2013.

The satellite is currently in good health.

The SPRINT-A’s nickname was also decided. It is “HISAKI” The name was chosen for the following reasons.

(1) “Hisaki” is the name of a cape in the Uchinoura area. (The cape at the tip of the Tsushiro Peninsula.)

It is the first brightened point by the rising sun in the Uchinoura area, thus the place is a symbol of a new day in Uchinoura. It is also a place for local fishermen to pray for safety hence it is a symbol of safe navigation for boats leaving Uchinoura. As it is a tip shape, it reminds us of the satellite configuration.

(2) Our observation targets are beyond (“saki” in Japanese) the sun (“Hi” in Japanese).