MISSION OVERVIEW
Japanese upper atmosphere research satellite
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Mu-3S-IIMISSION
Akebono
MISSION TYPE
Earth Science
TARGET ORBIT
Elliptical Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Mu CenterLAUNCH SITE
Uchinoura Space Center, JapanCOUNTRY
JPN
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 09d5a8f8-225b-4b2d-93bb-5203bc47d092
Reported date: Feb 21, 1989 at 23:30 UTC
Last synced: 17 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE — Mu-3S-II →
MANUFACTURER
Institute of Space and Astronautical Science
VARIANT
S-II
FLIGHTS
8
SUCCESSES
7
SUCCESS RATE
87.5%
The Mu, also known as M, was a series of Japanese solid-fuelled carrier rockets, which were launched from Uchinoura between 1966 and 2006. Originally developed by Japan's Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, Mu rockets were later operated by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency following ISAS becoming part of it.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Mu-3S-II | Akebono launch?
The Mu-3S-II | Akebono is scheduled for Tuesday, February 21, 1989 at 11:30 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 Akebono?
The Mu-3S-II | Akebono mission uses the Mu-3S-II rocket, manufactured by Institute of Space and Astronautical Science. The Mu-3S-II has flown 8 times with a 87.5% success rate.
Where is the Mu-3S-II | Akebono launching from?
The launch takes place from Mu Center at Uchinoura Space Center, Japan.
What orbit is Akebono going to?
The Akebono mission is targeting Elliptical Orbit.
Who is launching Akebono?
The Mu-3S-II | Akebono is operated by Institute of Space and Astronautical Science.
Can I watch the Mu-3S-II | Akebono 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 05:34 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 05:34 UTC
Launch date set: Feb 21, 1989 at 23:30 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Institute of Space and Astronautical Science
Mar 29, 2026 05:34 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 17 minutes ago
●Launch Library 217 minutes ago
Launch ID: 09d5a8f8-225b-4b2d-93bb-5203bc47d092
●Open-Meteo Weather23 hours ago
Pad weather at 31.25, 131.08
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Mission Profile
Akebono was a Mu-3S-II mission operated by Institute of Space and Astronautical Science that lifted off from Mu Center, Uchinoura Space Center, Japan on February 21, 1989. The flight carried its payload on a earth science mission to Elliptical Orbit. The launch was a success.