The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) performed the remaining deployment operations for the large deployable antenna reflectors (LDR) onboard the Engineering Test Satellite VIII "KIKU No. 8" between 6:56 p.m. and 8:10 p.m. on December 26, 2006 (Japan Standard Time, JST) by sending commands from the Okinawa station. These included the release of the lower holding mechanism and the deployment of the reflectors for the sending antenna that were suspended.
As a result, JAXA confirmed through telemetry data and images from onboard cameras sent from the satellite that the deployment of the sending antenna was successful. Images of the LDR acquired from the "KIKU No. 8" are attached below. This marks the completion of the LDR deployment.
The satellite is in a stable condition.
The satellite will shift to the regular attitude control mode and will progress from the critical phase to the initial functional verification phase. We expect to be able to announce the completion of the critical phase around 10:00 a.m. on Dec. 27.
(Note)
Critical phase: the period starting from the launch until the readiness to move to the initial functional verification phase, including solar array paddle deployment after separation from the launch vehicle, LDR deployment, then shifting to the regular mode attitude control.
Attachment: Deployment Images of Large Deployable Antennas http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2006/12/20061226_kiku8-2_e.html#at01
