posted 12-05-2015 08:04 PM               

JAXA's Akatsuki: questions and comments

This thread is meant for comments and questions about the mission updates under: JAXA's Akatsuki Venus Climate Orbiter.

Launched in 2010, Akatsuki was slated to enter orbit around Venus on Dec. 6, 2011, but its engine failed during an insertion burn and the probe went sailing off into space. Akatsuki will again try to orbit Venus on Dec. 6, 2015.

posted 12-05-2015 08:09 PM               

This weekend, the golf cart-sized Japanese spaceship named Akatsuki could become a national hero. Or it could end up a national disgrace.

Five years ago, the innovative ship took aim at Venus — and missed. Rather than swinging into orbit Venus as planned, Akatsuki sailed past its target, becoming another embarrassment for a Japanese space-exploration program plagued with mishaps.

Now, Akatsuki is poised for a comeback five years to the day after its worst moment. At roughly 7 pm ET Sunday, the spacecraft will make a risky bid to orbit Venus and redeem its honor.