Venus climate orbiter launched

TANEGASHIMA, Kagoshima Prefecture--The H-2A Launch Vehicle No. 17 carrying the Akatsuki Venus climate orbiter and other satellites lifted off without a hitch at 6:58 a.m. Friday from the Tanegashima Space Center.

About 27 minutes after the launch, the Akatsuki separated from the rocket for the voyage to Venus. In addition, five small satellites, including the small solar-power sail demonstrator IKAROS, separated from the H-2A with no problems.

Akatsuki is expected to reach its orbit around Venus in December, where it will track the climate of the planet.

In early June, IKAROS will deploy its membrane, which contains thin-film solar cells, and begin generating solar power.

IKAROS is testing whether a space vehicle can generate its own propulsion power from sunlight. It is a stepping stone toward someday exploring Jupiter and the Trojan asteroids, according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency website.

The launch marked the 11th successful launch in a row for H-2A rockets.