SFU

Japan

International Sat. n°:

Japanese satellite n°: 73

Space Flyer Unit

Launch data:

Designation	23521 / 95011A
Launch date	18 Mar 1995
Launch site	Tanegashima
Launch vehicle	H2 + SSB
Mission	Scientific
Earth orbit:
Perigee/Apogee	467/496 km
Inclination	28.5°
Period	92 min

SFU carried out materials processing, technology and astronomy experiments. It carried the 0.15 m liquid helium cooled IR Telescope in Space (IRTS), with near and mid infrared spectrometers; a biology experiment studying salamander eggs; an electron density experiment; materials processing furnaces; and technology experiments with solar arrays and an electric thruster. It also carried an experimental platform to test technology for the JEM Exposed Facility planned for the Space Station, and as such it is the first flight element of Japan's Station program.

End of life

Out of service	20 Jan 1996
Cause	Retrieved by STS 72

Downlink frequency: 2263.602 MHz

Ref: #15 - update: 24.10.04