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H-II Transfer Vehicle KOUNOTORI (HTV)
News
*All times are Japan Standard Time (JST)
HTV-1 Mission Flight Day 2 (September 11, 2009)
The HTV-1, inserted into the planned elliptical orbit on FD1, has been continuing a smooth flight on FD2. Today, the HTV-1 performed the first rendezvous maneuver at 9:33 a.m. to raise its orbital altitude toward the ISS. Approximately two hours later, the HTV-1 reached the targeted orbit. While flying in this orbit, the HTV-1 will perform demonstration tests planned on FD3. The next HTV-1 Mission updates will be posted on Saturday morning, September 12.
HTV in Good Health (September 11, 2009)
After establishing the communications with the ground, The HTV-1 has successfully established 2-axis attitude control at 2:42 a.m. and 3-axis attitude control at 3:16 a.m. September 11. The HTV Flight Control Team (HTV FCT) has now been checking the telemetries of the HTV-1's subsystems in preparation for the first rendezvous maneuver planned on the FD2 around 9:30 a.m. September 11.
Communications Successfully Established (September 11, 2009)
On the planned orbit, the HTV has established communications with the NASA's TDRS and initiated communications with the HTV Mission Control Room (MCR) at Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC).
Second Stage Separations / Insertion to the Planned Orbit (September 11, 2009)
With the H-IIB Second Stage engine burned out, the HTV separated from the Second Stgae at 2:16 a.m. The HTV has safely reached the planned initial orbit.
SRB-A / Fairing / First Stage Separations (September 11, 2009)
After the lift-off, four units of the Solid Rocket Booster (SRB-A) and the Fairing have separated just as expected. The First Stage burned out and separated approximately 6 minutes after launch. Then, the Second Stage main engine has ignited, and the Second Stage continued its ascent to lift the HTV to the planned orbit.
HTV Lift Off ! (September 11, 2009)
The HTV has lifted off just on time at 2:01 a.m. September 11. The H-IIB launch vehicle with the HTV has blasted off from the Launch Pad 2 (LP2) of Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC) lighting up the night sky.
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