"Osumi" 50 years Japanese satellites and spacecraft are the fourth largest in the world. February 11 5:50
It has been 50 years since 11 days since Japan's first artificial satellite "Osumi" was launched. The number of Japanese satellites and space probes launched so far is the fourth largest in the world, with more than 240 in total. I am.
"Osumi" is Japan's first artificial satellite launched 50 years ago on February 11, 1970 by the University of Tokyo from Kagoshima Prefecture into orbit around the earth with a rocket.
It was the fourth satellite to successfully launch a satellite after the former Soviet Union, the United States and France.
Since then, in addition to the Hakucho astronomical satellite for observing X-rays and the Sakigake spacecraft to investigate Halley's comet, recently, relatively small scientific satellites such as Hayabusa2 have been launched, as well as meteorological satellites and communication satellites. The use of practical satellites has been promoted.
According to a summary of US government agencies, Japan has launched more than 240 satellites and space probes, the fourth largest after Russia, the United States, and China.
JAXA, who also participated in the launch of “Osumi,” said Professor Emeritus Yasunori Matokawa of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, “It was just a small satellite of only 24 km, but it was a really exciting moment. I think we've come to this place with a limited staff and budget. "