ASTRO-F/M-V-8 successfully launched. Nickname is "Akari"

The 21st Scientific Satellite (ASTRO-F) aboard the M-V Launch Vehicle No. 8 (M-V-8) launched at 6:28 a.m. on February 22, 2006 (Japan Standard Time, JST) from the Uchinoura Space Center (USC).
The launch vehicle flew smoothly, and it was confirmed that the satellite was safely injected into its scheduled orbit.
The in-orbit ASTRO-F was given a nickname of "Akari" (meaning a "light.")