Utilizing Space Through Satellites Engineering Test Satellite VI "KIKU-6" (ETS-VI)

Operation Finished

About Engineering Test Satellite VI "KIKU-6" (ETS-VI)

KIKU-6(ETS-VI) was developed to confirm the technology required for a geostationary three-axis satellite bus system for high performance practical satellites in the 1990's, and to test advanced satellite communications equipment. It was launched by the H-II also to confirm the performance of the launch vehicle. The injection into orbit was abandoned because of a malfunction in the apogee-engine.

Major Characteristics

International Designation Code 1994-056A
Launch Date 8/28/1994
Launch Vehicle H-II Launch Vehicle (2F)
Launch Site Tanegashima Space Center
Weight 2000kg(Beginning of life) Payload capacity 660 kg
Orbit Geostationary orbit (153.8deg. E. longitude(tentative))
Dimensions Box shaped with attached deployable solar panels
Life 10 years for satellite bus
Altitude Perigee altitude Approx. 8,600km / Apogee altitude Approx. 38,600km (Schedule: Approx. 36,000km)
Inclination Approx. 13 degrees (Schedule: 0 degrees)
Period Approx. 14hours 22minutes (Schedule: Approx. 24hours)
Attitude Control 3-axis-stabilized

Image taken by a CCD camera aboard ETS-VI.

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