H-IIA Update: Eight Days to Launch – 8 days before a launch

We have only a week to launch the Advanced Earth Observing Satellite-II
(ADEOS-II) by H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.4 (H-IIA F4).

On Dec. 6, the encapsulated ADEOS-II and microsatellites by the payload
fairing were transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), where H-IIA
F4 operations were underway. A special transporter for encapsulated
satellites consists of a trailer and air-conditioning equipment. During
transportation, the environment inside a fairing is controlled by sending
clean air through an orange duct that connects the air-con equipment and
fairing.
After being transported to VAB, the encapsulated satellites were slung up to
the top of H-IIA F4 to be loaded onto the second stage.

ADEOS-II final launch preparations started on Oct. 30, and those of the
microsatellites in early to mid November in the Spacecraft and Fairing
Assembly Building (SFA). H-IIA F4 launch site operations began on Nov. 2 at
VAB. Today, the payloads and launch vehicle that had been prepared in
separate facilities for a month were finally mated.

ADEOS-II/H-IIA F4 launch will be reported live through the internet and
large vision screens in NASDA offices and the National Museum of Emerging
Science and Innovation. Please watch the event.