helioquake's Journal: Successful launch of Suzaku (Astro-E2)

The 2nd time is a charm...five years after the failure of the launch of ASTRO-E1, it's the time for redemption...that's what these good guys over ISAS (now JAXA) have done last night...ASTRO-E2/M-V-6 rocket was successfully launched from Uchinoura Space Center on 23:30 EDT, on July 9th, 2005, and has entered into the scheduled orbit. The separation of the satellite itself from the third stage has been confirmed also. The satellite is now officially named as "Suzaku" which is supposedly a bird god in the ancient Japanese folklore.

In a few days, we will know for sure if we have a newly functional X-ray astronomical observatory in space.

This mission is primarily supported by Japanese government, plus the unique mission instrument designed and provided by NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, etc.