21 May, 2010
Congratulations to Successful Launch of Venus Explorer "AKATSUKU"
Japan’s first Venus Climate Orbiter “AKATSUKI” (PLANET-C) was launched from the Tanegashima Space Center by H2A rocket No. 17 at 6:58 on May 21, 2010 (Friday).
The "AKATSUKI" (PLANET-C) is a planet weather satellite called as the twins star of the earth aiming at exploring the unique climate of Venus so as to elucidate the mechanism of atmospheric flow.
Meisei Electric is in charge of the development of "Lightning and Airglow Camera" (LAC) out of on-board 6 types of observation instrument. This camera was developed for the observation use of the electric discharge situation of the Venus lightning and the airglow of light phenomenon of the upper atmosphere.
From now the "AKATSUKI" arrives at the circular orbit of the Venus after 6-month Space trip and starts its exploration for about 2 years.For the details please see JAXA Home page:http://www.jaxa.jp/
