DFS-5 Shimakaze launches for mission to Minmus

RYOKOU SPACE CENTER (DFNS) - Scientists and technicians of the Daikoku Federation has successfully launched DFS-5 Shimakaze probe on carrier rocket Unmei-3 towards a trajectory heading for Minmus, the Daikoku Federation News Services reported.

Unmei-3 carrier rocket with payload probe DFS-5 Shimakaze was launched on December 20, 2013, 21:19 hours from the Ryokou Space Center by scientists and technicians of the 2nd South Urbonian Guards Regiment of the Federal Defense Force.

The rocket was launched towards an eastern trajectory in order to insert it on a trajectory towards Minmus.

The Unmei-3 carrier rocket successfully inserted payload probe DFS-5 Shimakaze at a 108.5 x 91.2 km. orbit at 21:26:04 hours, six minutes four seconds after launch. The first stage and payload fairing of the rocket detached 26 seconds later.

DFS-5 Shimakaze was inserted into a trajectory towards Minmus at 21:59 hours after the second stage of Unmei-3 carrier rocket performed a burn.

DFS-5 Shimakaze is now in a trajectory towards Minmus and it is expected that the probe would enter Minmus orbit after two days.

The command center at Ryokou Space Center has reported that the satellite is in good condition and all instruments are working well.

The Daikoku Federation has congratulated the scientists and technicians involved in the launch of DFS-5 Shimakaze and has stated that "they had opened a new frontier for our Federation's space exploration."