STARS-EC (Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite Elevator of CubeSat, COSPAR 1998-067SE, SATCAT 47928) was a nanosatellite developed by Shizuoka University, for the purpose of demonstrating space elevator tether technology. It was a 3U-size CubeSat, and could split into three separate satellites, connected via tethers. STARS-EC was launched on 20 February 2021, and was deployed from the International Space Station (ISS).[1] The deployment service of STARS-EC was provided by Mitsui Bussan Aerospace.[2]

The satellite decayed from orbit on 15 April 2022.[3]

Mission

STARS-EC's mission was to demonstrate space elevator tether technology using a 3U CubeSat. After deployment from the ISS, the satellite split into three separate spacecraft, each the size of a 1U CubeSat.[4] The spacecraft on each end was connected to the center satellite by an 11 m-long (36 ft) space tether, thus putting the satellites on the ends 22 m apart from one another.[2][5] The satellite in the center moved back and forth along the tether, demonstrating the orbital space elevator technology. Each spacecraft was equipped with a camera to monitor the elevator demonstration.[4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "STARS Space Serviceによる静岡大学超小型衛星「STARS-EC」を搭載したロケットが2月21日打上成功" (Press release) (in Japanese). Mitsui Bussan Aerospace. February 26, 2021. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  2. 1 2 Wanezaki, Yuriko (February 18, 2021). "静岡大発ベンチャーが開発した超小型衛星がISSに向け2月21日に打ち上げへ". Mynavi news (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  3. ↑ "STARS EC". N2YO.com. 15 April 2022. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
  4. 1 2 "「宇宙エレベーター」実現向け挑戦 静大衛星５機目を発表". The Shizuoka Shimbun (in Japanese). September 26, 2019. Archived from the original on 2021-01-23. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  5. ↑ "宇宙エレベーター、実用化に向けた実験用衛星完成 静大". The Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). September 26, 2019. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
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