MTSAT-1R/H-IIA F7 Launched

The H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 7 (H-IIA F7) with the Multi-functional Transport Satellite-1 Replacement (MTSAT-1R) onboard was launched at 6:25 p.m. on February 26, 2005 (Japan Standard time). The initial flight angle was 102 degrees.

The launch vehicle flew smoothly, and, at 40 minutes and 2 seconds after liftoff, the MTSAT-1R separation 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 successful launch of the H-IIA F7.

The weather at the time of the launch was cloudy with a wind speed of 6.8 m/second from the north north west and the temperature at 7.3 degrees Celsius.

The responsibility breakdown of the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 7 operation is as follows.

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA): Carrying out comprehensive inspections following the launch failure in Nov. 2003, and supervising launch operations and safety assurance as commissioned by Rocket System Cooperation.

Rocket System Corporation (RSC): Performing launch operations, procurement of the H-IIA F7 and supervision of its manufacturing, and quality control of the H-IIA F7 as commissioned by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport and the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.: Manufacturing the first and second stage systems and solid strap-on boosters (SSBs) for the H-IIA F7, and performing launch facility maintenance as commissioned by the RSC. As a future prime contractor, also carrying out comprehensive inspections after the failure, and reliability assurance of the overall H-IIA F7 in collaboration with JAXA.