[Project Topics] Epsilon-2/ERG launch time decided! Live broadcast from 7:40 p.m. on December 20 (Tue.)

JAXA 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 signals were received in the Santiago Ground Station, the Republic of Chile at 8:37 p.m. (JST). ERG’s solar array paddles have been deployed as planned. Also, ERG has completed the attitude control based on the sun acquisition.
JAXA has nicknamed ERG “ARASE”.

JAXA announced that the second Epsilon Launch Vehicle with Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace (ERG) on board will be launched sometime between 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on December 20, 2016 (Japan Standard Time). Live launch coverage from the Uchinoura Space Center will be carried on YouTube. More detail will be available shortly.
JAXA is happy to hear from dear readers. Please send words of encouragement to the project members of the Epsilon and of the ERG mission.

On October 20, “ERG”, the Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace was shown to the media in the Uchinoura Space Center, Kimotsuki-cho, Kimotsuki-gun, Kagoshima.

Image: “ERG” in clean room of the M rocket launch site
In the Telemeter Center on the premises, Project Manager Iku Shinohara and Project Scientist Yoshizumi Miyoshi addressed the general facts of “ERG” and the scientific contributions that “ERG” is expected to make. Enhanced Epsilon will carry “ERG” on board. Preparation for launch is underway.

On September 29 (Thu.), the Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace “ERG” made its appearance to the press at the Sagamihara Campus.
The ERG satellite carries nine cutting-edge instruments as well as hope of many to discover the mystery of the Van Allen belts. The geo probe is scheduled to be launched by the Epsilon launch vehicle from Uchinoura Space Center in JFY2016.

We are inviting you to have your message travel on the ERG satellite to explore the Van Allen belts, which is the last frontier in space around the Earth.
Please send your support message to the mission of the “Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace” or “ERG”, which is scheduled to be launched in JFY2016. The messages will be printed on an aluminum plate that will be installed on the satellite as part of a balance weight.