MISSION OVERVIEW
Akari (ASTRO-F) was an infrared astronomy satellite developed by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, in cooperation with institutes of Europe and Korea.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
M-VMISSION
Akari
MISSION TYPE
Astrophysics
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Mu CenterLAUNCH SITE
Uchinoura Space Center, JapanCOUNTRY
JPN
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 0680c355-6b69-49bd-9018-10910396197c
Reported date: Feb 21, 2006 at 21:28 UTC
Last synced: 7 hours ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE — M-V →
MANUFACTURER
IHI Corporation
VARIANT
V
FLIGHTS
7
SUCCESSES
6
SUCCESS RATE
85.7%
The M-V rocket also called Mu-5 was a Japanese solid-fuel rocket designed to launch scientific satellites.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the M-V | Akari launch?
The M-V | Akari is scheduled for Tuesday, February 21, 2006 at 9:28 PM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Akari?
The M-V | Akari mission uses the M-V rocket, manufactured by IHI Corporation. The M-V has flown 7 times with a 85.7% success rate.
Where is the M-V | Akari launching from?
The launch takes place from Mu Center at Uchinoura Space Center, Japan.
What orbit is Akari going to?
The Akari mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Akari?
The M-V | Akari is operated by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
Can I watch the M-V | Akari launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Mar 29, 2026 00:04 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 00:04 UTC
Launch date set: Feb 21, 2006 at 21:28 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Mar 29, 2026 00:04 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 7 hours ago
●Launch Library 27 hours ago
Launch ID: 0680c355-6b69-49bd-9018-10910396197c
●Open-Meteo Weather7 hours ago
Pad weather at 31.25, 131.08
BROWSE BY
Mission Profile
Akari was a M-V mission operated by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency that lifted off from Mu Center, Uchinoura Space Center, Japan on February 21, 2006. The flight carried its payload on a astrophysics mission to Low Earth Orbit. The launch was a success.