Akebono (satellite)
Encyclopedia
Akebono is a satellite
to study aurora
and Earth
's magnetosphere
environment.
It was developed by Institute of Space and Astronautical Science
and launched by M-3SII
rocket on February 22, 1989.
As of March 2009, it is still operational after 20 years from launch.
Satellite
In the context of spaceflight, a satellite is an object which has been placed into orbit by human endeavour. Such objects are sometimes called artificial satellites to distinguish them from natural satellites such as the Moon....
to study aurora
Aurora (astronomy)
An aurora is a natural light display in the sky particularly in the high latitude regions, caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere...
and Earth
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
's magnetosphere
Magnetosphere
A magnetosphere is formed when a stream of charged particles, such as the solar wind, interacts with and is deflected by the intrinsic magnetic field of a planet or similar body. Earth is surrounded by a magnetosphere, as are the other planets with intrinsic magnetic fields: Mercury, Jupiter,...
environment.
It was developed by Institute of Space and Astronautical Science
Institute of Space and Astronautical Science
is a Japanese national research organization of astrophysics using rockets, astronomical satellites and interplanetary probes. It is a division of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency .- History :...
and launched by M-3SII
Mu (rocket)
The Mu, also known as M, was a series of Japanese solid-fuelled carrier rockets, which were launched from Uchinoura between 1966 and 2006...
rocket on February 22, 1989.
As of March 2009, it is still operational after 20 years from launch.
External links
- http://www.isas.jaxa.jp/e/enterp/missions/akebono/