MHI Launch Services: Our Services
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MHI Launch Services
Launch Services is a comprehensive service that reliably delivers customer payloads (satellites and probes) to target orbits at target dates and times.
The distinguishing feature of MHI Launch Services is our ability to provide integrated service from launch vehicle manufacturing through satellite and launch vehicle interface coordination, program management, and execution of the launch campaign.
Engineers who thoroughly understand the launch vehicles handle interactions with the satellite manufacturers and satellite operators who are our customers. This enables consistent and accurate decision-making throughout the entire service process.
Going forward, we will continue to provide reliable and easy-to-use launch services that align with customer needs.
Three Objectives of the Launch Services and Our History of Successes
- 1. Usability for customers
- As a result of their diverse experience in launch vehicle development and launch operations, MHI's expert engineers offer comprehensive services to fully coordinate every step of the process, from launch vehicle manufacture to adjustment of the launch-vehicle-to-satellite interface, support for satellite preparations at the launch site, and launch campaign. A Program Manager serves as an overall supervisor for the Launch Services and assigns a Mission Manager to take charge of services for each customer's satellite as a point of contact. The Mission Manager is responsible for the contract, service operations, and schedule management for individual programs and works closely with the launch vehicle manufacturing and launch operation teams to effectively coordinate the various steps necessary for a reliable launch. The system takes full advantage of MHI's outstanding knowledge, experience, and teamwork to provide customers with the highest quality service.
- 2. Extreme launch reliability for failsafe delivery to the target orbit
- The path a satellite follows is called an "orbit." Orbits differ according to a satellite's purpose.
The launch vehicle's role is to inject the satellite into its target orbit with minimal error.
The H3 launch vehicle, which has inherited the reliability of our H-IIA and H-IIB launch vehicles, has extremely high orbit injection accuracy and continues to be routinely launched.
- 3. Secure delivery on the target date
- A launch that isn't rescheduled after the start of launch operations is called an "on-time launch." The time period available for launch (launch window) varies depending on the orbit into which the satellite will be injected.
Launch windows can range from several hours to just a few minutes, and in some cases, even a one-second deviation is impermissible.
We meet these stringent launch conditions and we are building up a track record of reliable launches.
Service Contents
MHI provides customers a single contact point for the arrangement of simple, complete, and consistent services at every mission phase, from pre-contract coordination to the actual launch. One of our roles, as a provider of launch services, is to coordinate between manufacturers, insurance companies, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), relevant ministries, and others involved.
MHI entrusts subcomponents to space-related manufacturers and works with insurers to arrange launch insurance based on the customer's needs. We also handle regulatory items related to radio waves and dangerous objects by filing applications for approvals with the relevant ministries. Range safety/control operations, downrange operations, launch pad facility maintenance, and many other operations are entrusted to JAXA for the strongest assurance of reliable launches in conformance with launch schedules.
MHI's Main Services
- Program Management
- After contract signing, we prepare the launch vehicle according to customer's satellite requirements and launch timing, and comprehensively manage and flexibly respond to all operations, including schedule and program management, to ensure reliable launch execution.
Once the customer's satellite is delivered to JAXA Tanegashima Space Center, MHI provides meticulous service, including support for work on the satellite side, adjustment of interfaces between the satellite and launch vehicle, and if necessary arrangement of conferences and interpreters.
- Mission Integration
- MHI carefully considers specifications including launch vehicle hardware and software to match customer needs, and we perform technical coordination according to customer's conditions and requirements.
- Launch Vehicle Manufacturing
- MHI manufactures launch vehicles according to the requirements identified during mission integration. There are rigorous reviews in the manufacturing process to ensure consistent quality is maintained.
- Mission Modification
- Mission modification involves preparing payload adapters and payload fairings customized for each individual satellite. We have multiple payload fairings and payload adapters ready to accommodate satellites of different sizes and specifications.
- Launch Operations
- MHI is also responsible for controlling and overseeing the actual launches. On a launch day, we monitor all conditions: the status of the satellite, the launch vehicle, the weather, and the preparations and progress for tracking control and range safety/control operations handled by JAXA. Then, we make the final decision on whether to go ahead with the launch.
Work Flow to Launch
Factory Operations
Parts and subcomponents manufactured at various MHI plants and space-related manufacturers are gathered at Tobishima Plant in Aichi Prefecture and assembled into the core vehicle. Engines are manufactured at Komaki North Plant, also in Aichi Prefecture, and after undergoing combustion tests, they are transported to Tobishima Plant where they are mated with the core vehicle. After the assembled core vehicle undergoes various functional tests, it is shipped to Tanegashima Space Center.
Launch Site Operations
After arriving at the launch site, the first stage of the vehicle is mated with the the second stage in the Vehicle Assembly Building, followed by mating with solid rocket boosters (SRB-3). The launch vehicle then undergoes an overall system check and the final evaluation. Meanwhile, the satellite is transported to a spacecraft test and assembly building within the Space Center, where it is separately inspected. Once preparations are complete, the satellite is handed over to MHI for mating with the satellite separation system and encapsulation in the payload fairing, and then it is transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building. There, the satellite is mated with the launch vehicle, completing the final launch vehicle configuration.
