Akebono (known as EXOS-D before launch) is a
satellite
A satellite or artificial satellite is an object intentionally placed into orbit in outer space. Except for passive satellites, most satellites have an electricity generation system for equipment on board, such as solar panels or radioisotope ...
to study
aurora
An aurora (plural: auroras or aurorae), also commonly known as the polar lights, is a natural light display in Earth's sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions (around the Arctic and Antarctic). Auroras display dynamic patterns of bri ...
and
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only astronomical object known to harbor life. While large volumes of water can be found throughout the Solar System, only Earth sustains liquid surface water. About 71% of Earth's surfa ...
's
magnetosphere
In astronomy and planetary science, a magnetosphere is a region of space surrounding an astronomical object in which charged particles are affected by that object's magnetic field. It is created by a celestial body with an active interior dynam ...
environment.
It was developed by
Institute of Space and Astronautical Science
(ISAS) is a Japanese national research organization of astrophysics using rockets, astronomical satellites and interplanetary probes which played a major role in Japan's space development. Since 2003, it is a division of Japan Aerospace E ...
and launched by
M-3SII
The Mu, also known as M, was a series of Japanese solid-fueled carrier rockets, which were launched from Uchinoura between 1966 and 2006. Originally developed by Japan's Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, Mu rockets were later operated ...
rocket on February 22, 1989.
After 26 years of successful observation, operation was terminated on April 23, 2015, due to the degradation of solar cells and the decay of orbit.
See also
*
International Solar-Terrestrial Physics Science Initiative The International Solar-Terrestrial Physics Science Initiative (or ISTP for short) is an international research collaboration between NASA, the ESA, and ISAS. Its goal is to study physical phenomena related to the Sun, solar wind and its effects o ...
Notes
External links
* https://web.archive.org/web/20061023123528/http://www.isas.jaxa.jp/e/enterp/missions/akebono/
Earth observation satellites of Japan
Spacecraft launched in 1989
Derelict satellites orbiting Earth
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