# DRUMS

> Japanese experimental satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q108830652](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q108830652)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DRUMS)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/drums

## Summary
DRUMS is a Japanese experimental satellite that was launched into space on 9 November 2021 aboard an Epsilon rocket. Identified by the international designator 2021-102E and catalog number 49399, it represents Japan’s contribution to in-orbit technology testing and space research.

## Key Facts
- Launch date: 9 November 2021 (UTC)  
- Launch vehicle: Japanese Epsilon rocket  
- International designator (COSPAR ID): 2021-102E  
- Satellite catalog number (SCN): 49399  
- Instance of: spacecraft (experimental satellite)  
- Country of origin: Japan  
- Primary Wikipedia edition: English (1 sitelink)  

## FAQs
### Q: What does DRUMS stand for?  
A: The source material does not provide an expanded form of the acronym; “DRUMS” is treated as the proper name of the satellite.

### Q: What kind of satellite is DRUMS?  
A: DRUMS is classified as an experimental satellite, indicating its mission is to test or demonstrate new space technologies rather than provide routine operational services.

### Q: Which rocket placed DRUMS in orbit?  
A: DRUMS was launched aboard Japan’s Epsilon expendable launch vehicle, a solid-fuel rocket designed for small-to-medium satellite missions.

### Q: Is DRUMS still in orbit?  
A: The provided data confirm launch details but do not state an end-of-mission date; therefore, operational status cannot be asserted from the given sources.

## Why It Matters
Experimental satellites like DRUMS serve as low-risk platforms for validating cutting-edge components, materials, and software that later fly on commercial or scientific missions. By launching DRUMS, Japan extends its portfolio of in-house flight-proven technologies, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and sharpening the competitiveness of its domestic aerospace sector. Each successful on-orbit demonstration feeds directly into the design of future Earth-observation, communications, and deep-space spacecraft, shortening development cycles and lowering program risk. Because DRUMS flew on the Epsilon rocket—the same family used for Japan’s scientific and planetary payloads—its data also help calibrate performance models for subsequent Epsilon missions, creating a feedback loop that improves national launch capability.

## Notable For
- One of the few post-2020 Japanese experimental satellites with an open-catalog entry (SCN 49399)  
- Flew aboard the Epsilon rocket, underscoring Japan’s preference for self-reliant launch services  
- Carries the 2021-102E COSPAR ID, placing it within a launch sequence that released multiple payloads in a single mission  

## Body
### Mission Context
DRUMS was inserted into orbit during the same launch campaign that produced the 2021-102 object family. Sharing the ride with other payloads maximized the cost-effectiveness of the Epsilon launch and typifies Japan’s strategy of mixed-manifest missions.

### Technical Snapshot
- Catalogued by the U.S. Space Force’s 18th Space Defense Squadron under number 49399  
- International designator 2021-102E denotes the fifth object (E) released from the 102nd global launch of 2021  
- No mass, dimensions, or specific experiment packages are provided in the source material  

### Relationship to Epsilon Program
Epsilon is Japan’s operational solid-fuel launcher optimized for 590–1 500 kg payloads to low-Earth orbit. DRUMS’ successful deployment adds another mission success to the Epsilon record, supporting marketing efforts for future commercial and institutional customers.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report