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Mission Profile
Name (pre-launch in parentheses) | AKATSUKI (PLANET-C) | |
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International Designation Code | 2010-020D | |
Objectives | Venus is the closest planet to the earth and is known as the "morning star" or "evening star." Venus is sometimes referred to as Earth's sister planet because of its similarity to the Earth in size and mass, but its climate is very different. Venus has a massive CO2 atmosphere which is extremely hot due to the greenhouse effect and is covered by sulfuric acid clouds. There is no liquid water on the surface of Venus. The elucidation of the climate system of Venus will provide us with clues to explain how such a diversity of planetary environments has evolved in the solar system. The Venus Climate Orbiter (PLANET-C project) aims to unravel the mysteries of Venus with an emphasis on atmospheric dynamics. State-of-the-art optical instruments will enable us to explore the deep atmosphere and the ground surface below the thick cloud layer. |
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Launch | Date | 06:58, May 21, 2010 (JST) |
Location | Tanegashima Space Center (Minamitane-machi, Kagoshima prefecture) | |
Launch Vehicle | H-IIA | |
Configuration | Weight | 500 kg (including fuel) |
Shape | [Click image for enlargement] |
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Orbit | Altitude | 300km, 80,000km |
Inclination | 172° | |
Type of Orbit | Elliptical around Venus | |
Period | 30 hrs. | |
Scientific Instruments |
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