ISS a [NASDA]
The ISS (Ionosphere Sounding Satellite) series of satellites was Japan's first ionosphere sounding satellite project. After reaching orbit, they were named Ume.
ISS a or Ume 1 was used to monitor radio waves in the ionosphere and forecast conditions for optimal use of shortwave communications. A power supply system failure caused Ume to malfunction one month after launching.
ISS b or Ume 2 was put into orbit two years later as a replacement. Ume-2 kept gathering observation data even after its 1.5 year mission term. It finished its operation on 23 February 1983, because of deterioration of power generation.
Nation: | Japan |
---|---|
Type / Application: | Research, Ionosphere |
Operator: | NASDA |
Contractors: | Mitsubishi Electric (MELCO) |
Equipment: | |
Configuration: | |
Propulsion: | |
Power: | Solar cells, batteries |
Lifetime: | |
Mass: | 139 kg (#a), 141 kg (#b) |
Orbit: | 991 km × 1005 km, 69.67° (#a); 974 km × 1220 km, 69.36° (#b) |
Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ISS a (Ume 1) | 1976-019A | 29.02.1976 | Ta LP-N | N-1 | ||
ISS b (Ume 2) | 1978-018A | 16.02.1978 | Ta LP-N | N-1 |