NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 1971-080A
Shinsei (new star) was the first Japanese scientific satellite launched. Scientific payload included solar radio receivers, cosmic-ray detectors, and ionospheric probes. Power-supplying system consisted of solar cells and nickel cadmium batteries. The satellite was a 26-sided body measuring 71.2 cm in diameter across the flat sides. All experiments operated nominally after launch, except for the electron temperature probe (damaged on separation) and one Geiger tube (failed after 3 days). Otherwise, good data were received for four months until tape recorder failure. Only a very limited amount of realtime data was subsequently obtained. By late 1973, the experimental equipment had become no longer useful for meaningful scientific observations.
Launch Date: 1971-09-28
Launch Vehicle: Mu
Launch Site: Uchinoura Space Center, Japan
Mass: 66 kg
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Dr. Dieter K. Bilitza
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
---|---|---|---|
Prof. Kunio Hirao | Project Scientist | Institute of Space and Aeronautical Science |