Horyu 3

Horyu 3 [KIT]

Horyu 3 is a small technological satellite built by Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech).

Horyu 3 is built on the CubeSat (3U) form factor.

The mission of Horyu 3 is a follow-on from Horyu 2, which is to investigate the electric arcing mechanism of high voltage currents. The arcing mitigation technique can be developed by based on results from this in-orbit experiment, so this mission will contribute to the development of high voltage spacecraft power buses.

In addition, Horyu 3 has the other missions as follows:

• Technology demonstration of inter-satellite communication by using Light Emitting Diode (LED)
• Earth observation by using CMOS camera
• Send birthday messages from space

This satellite will use amateur radio band, because devices use such radio band are easily obtainable. In addition, because of use of amateur radio band, the operator are easily able to seek international collaboration and helps from many amateur radio operators, such as receiving CW and FM telemetries.

In mid 2014, the development was put on hold.