The University of Tokyo and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) received signals from the Micro deep-space explorer "PROCYON" at 8:51 p.m. on December 3, 2014 (Japan Standard Time), to confirm it had been inserted into the scheduled interplanetary orbit.

The satellite is now in the initial operation phase. PROCYON was launched by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 26 as a secondary payload of the Asteroid Explorer "Hayabusa2" at 1:22:04 p.m. on Dec. 3, 2014 (JST) from the Tanegashima Space Center.

Overview of the Micro Deep-space Explorer "PROCYON"

Mission Outline Demonstration of micro-spacecraft bus system for deep space exploration including communication system and attitude and orbit control system. It will also demonstrate various deep space exploration technologies including asteroid close flyby observation.

Size / Mass H 630 x W 550 x D 550 mm / Mass about 65 kg

Development Organizations The University of Tokyo/JAXA

Cooperative organization for operation Tokyo University of Science/Hokkaido University/Meisei University/Rikkyo University, and others