Final preparation for HTV-3 launch continues; launch live broadcast URLs

At the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) of the Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC), final preparation for KOUNOTORI-3 (HTV-3) launch continues.

On July 9, final inspection was performed, and no NG (Not Good) was found from the vehicle. From July 13 to 15, a rehearsal was conducted simulating the launch operation.

Late access cargo loading will continue until July 19. Then the hatch will be closed, and HIIB/KOUNOTORI3 will be carried to the launch pad.

The target launch date and time for KOUNOTORI3 is still at 11:06 a.m. (JST, UTC+9), July 21, 2012. Source http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/htv/mission/htv-3/news/htv3_120718.html

The launch will be broadcasted live on the Internet via the following links

-          NASA TV HD (HD resolution, for high speed connections) http://www.ustream.tv/nasahdtv

-          NASA TV (standard resolution, for lower speed connections) http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html

-          Live webcam from Tanegashima launch pad (automatically updated once every few minutes)  http://space.jaxa.jp/tnsc/webcam/index_e.shtml

Meanwhile, here’s the latest photo of FSpace team and a backup model of F-1 CubeSat  We are ready for the launch!