The first captive firing test of the First Stage Flight Model Tank for the H-IIB Launch Vehicle was postponed today. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. say that they performed a cryogenic inspection for the first captive firing test (setting the X-time or firing time at 11:30 a.m.) on March 27, 2009 (all times and dates are Japan Standard Time) at the Tanegashima Space Center.

After reviewing the data acquired through the inspection, they confirmed that the cryogenic inspection went well except that an abnormal phenomenon in the coolant supply occurred during the automatic countdown sequence of  the inspection. Jointly they carried out all possible corrective measures against the abnormality; however, they found that it was difficult to timely restore the normal operation. Hence they decided to postpone the captive firing test that was scheduled to take place after the cryogenic inspection.

The new test date will be announced as soon as it is determined.

Describing the abnormal phenomenon, the release said that the coolant, which is supposed to pour and sprinkle for protecting the facilities and surrounding area when the launch vehicle engine is fired, did not pour and sprinkle.