Updated Launch Schedule of the H-II Transfer Vehicle KOUNOTORI8 aboard the H-IIB Vehicle No. 8
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MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has canceled the launch of the H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 8(H-IIB F8) which carries aboard the H-II Transfer Vehicle "KOUNOTORI8" (HTV8), the cargo transporter to the International Space Station (ISS) from the JAXA Tanegashima Space Center due to a fire at the movable launch pad exit hole during the countdown operation.
As a result of the investigation, it was confirmed that there was a high possibility that the fire spread due to the static electricity generated by the oxygen dripping from the engine exhaust port during the propellant filling operation, which continued to blow on the heat-resistant material in the exit hole at the movable launch pad.
We have taken corrective measures and have confirmed normal functioning of the rocket and facility.
Accordingly, updated launch schedule is as follows.
| Launch Date | : Tuesday, September 24, 2019 |
|---|---|
| Launch Time | : 1:30 am (Japan Standard Time, JST) *1 |
| Launch Window | : September 25 through October 31, 2019 *2 |
*1) The launch time is subject to change as the ISS orbit is updated.
*2) Launch time and date during this period are pending, determined by the ISS operations and other status.