Japanese Spacecraft to Make Second Attempt to Orbit Venus
JAXA’s Akatsuki Venus spacecraft. (Image by Akihiro Ikeshita)
TOKYO (JAXA PR) — The Venus Climate Orbiter AKATSUKI will try to enter the orbit of Venus on Dec. 7 (Mon.) after five years of operation. We are welcoming support messages.
After AKATSUKI’s failure to enter Venus’ orbit on Dec. 7, 2010, JAXA investigated the cause and considered a second attempt schedule while operating the satellite for a long period. Now, on Dec. 7, 2015, coincidentally the same day on the calendar as the previous attempt, we will perform the injection for the second time.
The AKATSUKI is in a good condition and it will take a few days of confirmation to know the result. Your support for the AKATSUKI and its project team members is very much appreciated.
One response to “Japanese Spacecraft to Make Second Attempt to Orbit Venus”
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Maybe the date isn’t completely coincidental, but related to Earth and Venus having a 8:13 orbital resonance? Best of wishes to the Akatsuki team now!