SPRINT-A Solar Array Paddles Deployment and Nickname Decided

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) confirmed that the Spectroscopic Planet Observatory for Recognition of Interaction of Atmosphere (SPRINT-A) has deployed its solar array paddles (SAPs) normally at 15:49 p.m. today through data received at the Uchinoura Ground Station. The SPRINT-A was launched by the Epsilon-1 from the Uchinoura Space Center at 14:00 p.m. on September 14, 2013.
The satellite is currently in good health.
The SPRINT-A’s nickname was also decided. It is “HISAKI” The name was chosen for the following reasons.

(1)    “Hisaki” is the name of a cape in the Uchinoura area. (The cape at the tip of the Tsushiro Peninsula.)
–    It is the first brightened point by the rising sun in the Uchinoura area, thus the place is a symbol of a new day in Uchinoura.
–    It is also a place for local fishermen to pray for safety hence it is a symbol of safe navigation for boats leaving Uchinoura.
–    As it is a tip shape, it reminds us of the satellite configuration.