The Epsilon rocket (formerly Advanced Solid Rocket) is a Japanese solid-fuel rocket designed to launch scientific satellites. It is a follow on project to the larger and more expensive M-V rocket which was retired in 2006. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) began developing the Epsilon in 2007. It will be capable of launching a satellite weighing 1.2 tonnes into low earth orbit.[1]
The development aim is to reduce costs, primarily by using the solid rocket booster of the H-IIA as the Epsilon's first stage. Existing M-V upper stages will be used for the second and third stages. Another primary aim is to achieve much shorter launch preparation time.[1][2][3] The rocket will weigh 91 tonnes and be 24.4 meters tall.[4] Epsilon launches are intended to cost much less than the $70 million launch cost of a M-V.[5]
The first launch, of a small scientific satellite SPRINT-A, is scheduled for August 22. 2013 at Uchinoura Space Center for a cost of $47 million. The initial launches will be of a two stage version of Epsilon, with up to a 500 kilogram LEO payload capability.[6][7]
In November 2012 JAXA reported that there had been a possible leak of rocket data due to a computer virus. JAXA had previously been a victim of cyber-attacks, possibly for espionage purposes. Solid-fuel rocket data potentially has military value.[8] The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency removed the infected computer from its network, and said its M-V rocket and H-IIA and H-IIB rockets may have been compromised.[9]
See also [edit]
References [edit]
- ^ a b "Epsilon launch vehicle". JAXA. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
- ^ Yasuhiro Morita, Takayuki Imoto, Hiroto Habu, Hirohito Ohtsuka, Keiichi Hori, Takemasa Koreki, Apollo Fukuchi, Yasuyuki Uekusa, Ryojiro Akiba (2009-07-10). "Advanced Solid Rocket Launcher and its Evolution". 27th International Symposium on Space Technology and Science. Retrieved 2009-09-20.
- ^ Kazuyuki Miho, Toshiaki Hara, Satoshi.Arakawa, Yasuo Kitai, Masao Yamanishi (2009-07-10). "A minimized facility concept of the Advanced Solid Rocket launch operation". 27th International Symposium on Space Technology and Science. Retrieved 2009-09-20.
- ^ "JAXA readies small rocket to break cost, use barriers". The Japan Times. 9 November 2012. Retrieved 2 December 2012.
- ^ "Asteroid probe, rocket get nod from Japanese panel". Spaceflight Now. 11 August 2010. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
- ^ "Interview: Yasuhiro Morita, Project Manager, Epsilon Launch Vehicle". JAXA. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
- ^ Stephen Clark (5 November 2012). "Japan schedules launch of innovative Epsilon rocket". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
- ^ Iain Thomson (30 November 2012). "Malware slurps rocket data from Japanese space agency". The Register. Retrieved 2 December 2012.
- ^ "Virus hits Japan space programme". 3 News NZ. December 3, 2012.
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- ‡ – Falcon 1 and 9 were designed for partial reuse, which was never achieved and has now been abandoned, however a fully-reusable Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy are under long-term development.
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