Arase Is Close to Beginning Its Science Mission...

JAXA

Completion of Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace Arase (ERG)'s Critical Operations Phase (Press Release)

JAXA confirmed completion of the critical operations phase* of the Arase mission, formerly known as Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace (ERG). It results from a sequence of significant tasks that occurred as anticipated: perigee up maneuvers and extension of its wire antennae and masts.

Arase is currently in good condition and is scheduled to enter into a two-month commissioning phase, then followed by a science operations phase.

JAXA expresses its deepest appreciation for the indispensable contributions and support by all.

* Critical operations phase: period initiated at the separation of payload from a launch vehicle until payload’s stability is established. During this period, solar array paddles are deployed, and status of attitude control and tracking systems, and operations of ground tracking and control facility are ensured.

Source: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

ERG Update #2: Japan's "Arase" Spacecraft Is Now Headed to the Van Allen Radiation Belts!

JAXA

Onboard the Arase spacecraft are two aluminum plates bearing the names of people who submitted their monikers online earlier this year...including Yours Truly! Presumably.

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Success of Epsilon-2 Launch with ERG Aboard (Press Release)

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.

Source: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

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JAXA


JAXA


JAXA

ERG Update: T-Minus 2 Days Till Lift-Off...

JAXA

Time of Launch of Epsilon-2 with ERG on Board (Press Release)

JAXA, National Research and Development Agency (or Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) announces the time of launch of the second Epsilon Launch Vehicle with Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace (ERG) aboard as follows:

Launch Date: December 20, 2016 (JST)

Time of Launch: 8:00:00 p.m. (Japan Standard Time, JST)

Launch Window: 8:00 p.m. through 9:00 p.m. (JST)

Source: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

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JAXA

Quick Note: ERG Gets A Launch Date...

JAXA

Launch of the Second Epsilon Launch Vehicle with the Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace on Board (Press Release)

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency will launch the second Epsilon Launch Vehicle with the Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace (ERG) on board. The launch schedule is as follows.

Launch date: December 20, 2016 (JST)

Launch time: 8:00 p.m. through 9:00 p.m. (JST)

Launch window: December 21, 2016 through January 31, 2017

Launch site: Uchinoura Space Center

Source: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

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JAXA