Feb 16 1974
From The Space Library
Japan successfully launched Tansei 2 experimental MS-T2 satellite from Kagoshima Space Center, Uchinoura, on a three-stage MU-3C booster at 2:00 pm local time (1:00 am EDT) after a two-day postponement because of bad weather. A thrust-vector-control system had been installed on the 2nd stage of the booster to stabilize its flight.
The improved version of the four-stage MU-4S was the first guided booster Japan had used. The satellite entered orbit with a 3229-km apogee, 283-km perigee, 121.7-min period, and 31.2° inclination. KYODO news service reported the objective was "to test the control devices and not for scientific observation."
Tansei 2, named "Light Blue" for the Univ. of Tokyo colors, was Japan's fifth satellite and third test satellite. Ohsumi (launched 11 Feb. 1970) and Tansei 1 (launched 16 Feb. 1971) were test satellites returning performance data. Shinsei (launched 28 Sept. 1971) had carried instruments to study cosmic rays and electric waves, and Den pa (Radio Explorer Satellite launched 19 Aug. 1972) had carried instruments to probe the ionosphere. (GSFC SSR, 28 Feb 74; FBIS-Japan, 22 Feb 74, 13-14; A&A 1971)
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