Japan Launches UAE's Satellite KhalifaSat

Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries successfully delivered UAE Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre’s (MBRSC) KhalifaSat satellite into orbit via the H-IIA launch vehicle F40.

The launch vehicle trajectory was executed as planned, and at about 24 minutes after liftoff, separation of the KhalifaSat satellite was confirmed.

This mission was performed along with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite-2 “GOSAT-2” satellite, in which the separation of the GOSAT-2 satellite was also confirmed 16 minutes after liftoff.

KhalifaSat is the first national satellite manufactured by the UAE, thus the mission should prove to be a great step towards UAE’s mid-and-long term plans in government space activities and industries.

Additionally, MHI holds the launch service contract for the Emirates Mars Mission (EMM spacecraft, planned to be launched in 2020), through which it hopes to build upon a strong and lasting relationship with the MBRSC and UAESA (UAE Space Agency).

The H-IIA launch vehicle is Japan’s flagship launch vehicle and one of the most reliable launch vehicles in the world. Today’s launch was the 41st consecutive successful H-IIA/H-IIB launch, with an accumulative success rate of 97.9%.

The successor to the H-IIA - the H3 Launch Vehicle - has been developed by MHI and JAXA. The concept of the H3 is highlighted to be much more customer-oriented by offering affordable pricing, relaxing environmental conditions for satellites and drastically reduced preparation time from contract to launch. It will allow for more flexible and cost-efficient launch services, and is scheduled to make its maiden flight in 2020.