Utilizing Space Through Satellites Mission Demonstration test Satellite-1 "TSUBASA" (MDS-1)

Operation Finished

About Mission Demonstration test Satellite-1 "TSUBASA" (MDS-1)

Mission Demonstration Test Satellite (TSUBASA) to shorten the development period for high-quality satellites

The Mission Demonstration Test Satellite-1 (TSUBASA) was launched by the H-IIA F2 from Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC) on February 4th, 2002. It completed its actual operational period on February 26th, 2003, and later entered the utilization period.
Mission demonstration test satellites obtain basic data and allow scientists to test the functioning of various devices on actual satellites before those devices are deployed in higher-risk and more challenging missions.
To shorten the development period and lower costs, these test satellites carry both newly developed equipment and devices with a known track record. These satellites also allow the use of increasingly complex commercially manufactured parts for space development, helping develop an industry that will lead to spacecraft with higher performance, lower costs, and smaller and lighter components.
Furthermore, the use of commercial components means a shorter development period. The satellite bus system, the mission equipment, the tracking and control system, and the experiment-evaluation system have been integrated into one system in the development of TSUBASA.

Major Characteristics

International Designation Code 2002-003A
Launch Date 11:45, February 4, 2002 (JST)
Launch Vehicle H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.2
Location Tanegashima Space Center
Shape A box shape with a deployable solar array paddles
Weight Approx. 480kg
Orbiter Geostationary transfer orbit
Altitude Perigee 209 km, Apogee 35,204 km
Inclination 29.1 degrees
Period Approx. 11 hours
Attitude Control Solar Pointing Spin Stabilization Method

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