Winds

WINDS

WINDS (Wideband InterNetworking engineering test and Demonstration Satellite, also known as Kizuna), is a Japanese communication satellite. Launch was originally scheduled for 2007. The launch date was eventually set for 15 February 2008, however a problem detected in a second stage manoeuvring thruster delayed it to 23 February. Lift-off occurred at 08:55 GMT on 23 February, and the satellite separated from the carrier rocket, into a Geosynchronous transfer orbit at 09:23, launched by an H-IIA carrier rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center. It will be used to relay the internet to Japanese homes and businesses, through Ka-Band signals. It will also develop technologies to be utilised by future Japanese communication spacecraft. It is part of Japan's i-Space program, and is to be operated by JAXA and NICT.

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Famous quotes containing the word winds:

    Death is another milestone on their way.
    With laughter on their lips and with winds blowing round them
    They record simply
    How this one excelled all others in making driving belts.
    Stephen Spender (1909–1995)

    The winds awaken, the leaves whirl round,
    Our cheeks are pale, our hair is unbound,
    Our breasts are heaving, our eyes are agleam,
    Our arms are waving, our lips are apart....
    William Butler Yeats (1865–1939)

    Pour down your warmth, great sun!
    While we bask, we two together.

    Two together!
    Winds blow south, or winds blow north,
    Day come white, or night come black,
    Home, or rivers and mountains from home,
    Singing all time, minding no time,
    While we two keep together.
    Walt Whitman (1819–1892)