Akatsuki and IKAROS to launch today
Posted by Emily Lakdawalla
2010/05/17 11:59 CDT
Topics:
Just a programming note, a reminder that Japan plans to launch the Venus orbiter Akatsuki and the solar sail IKAROS today at 21:45 UTC. I plan to be watching their webcast, which is supposed to begin at 21:15 UTC. I will probably not post anything here in real time; for as-they-happen updates, watch my Twitter page. I'll do a wrapup post here after the launch (or scrub, if that happens).
Here's a photo of the rocket, ready to go; it was taken yesterday, a little more than a day before the planned launch time. The countdown is now proceeding on schedule. The first and second rocket stages are (as of a couple of hours ago) fully loaded with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, and the radio system checks are complete.
Blog Search
JOIN THE
PLANETARY SOCIETY
Our Curiosity Knows No Bounds!
Become a member of The Planetary Society and together we will create the future of space exploration.



















Comments:
Leave a Comment:
You must be logged in to submit a comment. Log in now.