Japan is ready to launch its Venus Climate Orbiter “Akatsuki” as well as a small solar power sail demonstrator, the IKAROS.
The two payloads will be lofted via Japan’s H-2A booster from the Tanegashima Space Center. Liftoff is slated for Monday, May 17 at 5:45 pm east coast U.S. time.
The dual spacecraft mission is under the rubric of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
The Venus-bound Akatsuki spacecraft will probe the atmosphere of the cloud-wrapped planet.
Ikaros is short for Interplanetary Kite-craft Accelerated by Radiation Of the Sun. This solar sail makes use of both photon propulsion and thin film solar power generation during its interplanetary cruise.
A live launch broadcast is being made available, although subject to change due to the preparation status and weather conditions at the Japanese spaceport.
For the live coverage on launch day, go to:
http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f17/live/index_e.html
By LD/CSE