# EXPRESS

> orbital space experiment recovery system, lost due to a launch failure

**Wikidata**: [Q11198038](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11198038)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/express-q11198038

## Summary
EXPRESS was a Japanese orbital space experiment recovery system designed to demonstrate experimental technologies, particularly re-entry capsule systems. It was lost due to a launch failure in 1995, marking a significant setback for Japan's space program.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Technology demonstration spacecraft
- **Launch Date**: January 15, 1995, at 13:45 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: M-3S2 (variant M-3S2-8)
- **Launch Site**: Uchinoura Space Center, Japan
- **Operator**: Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), Japan
- **Manufacturer**: Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center, Russia
- **Mass**:
  - Total: 765 kg (launch weight)
  - Reentry capsule: 400 kg
  - Service module: 365 kg
- **Country of Origin**: Collaborative effort involving Japan, Germany, Russia, and Australia
- **Status**: Lost due to launch failure
- **Aliases**: Experiment Re-entry Space System, Experiment Reentry Space System, EXPRESS SM No. 19507, EXPRESS VA No. 19508

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the EXPRESS mission?
A: EXPRESS was designed to test and demonstrate experimental technologies, particularly re-entry capsule systems, for future orbital space experiments.

### Q: Why was the EXPRESS mission lost?
A: The mission failed due to a launch failure, resulting in the loss of the spacecraft.

### Q: Which organization operated EXPRESS?
A: The mission was operated by the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), a Japanese national research institute.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle used for EXPRESS?
A: The M-3S2 rocket, specifically the M-3S2-8 variant, was used to launch EXPRESS.

### Q: Where was EXPRESS launched from?
A: The launch took place at the Uchinoura Space Center in Japan.

## Why It Matters
EXPRESS was a critical mission for Japan's space program, aiming to advance re-entry technology for orbital experiments. The loss of the spacecraft highlighted challenges in rocket reliability and re-entry systems. Despite the failure, the mission contributed to Japan's growing expertise in space technology and recovery systems. It also underscored the complexities of space exploration, where even well-designed missions can face unexpected setbacks.

## Notable For
- **First Japanese re-entry capsule test**: EXPRESS was part of Japan's early efforts to develop re-entry technology for orbital experiments.
- **Collaborative international effort**: Involved contributions from Japan, Germany, Russia, and Australia, reflecting global cooperation in space research.
- **Significant loss for ISAS**: The failure marked a setback for the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, which had high hopes for the mission.
- **Data from partial success**: Despite the loss, some data was recovered, providing valuable insights for future missions.

## Body
### Mission Overview
EXPRESS was a technology demonstration spacecraft developed by the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) in collaboration with international partners. Its primary objective was to test re-entry capsule systems for future orbital experiments.

### Launch Details
The mission launched on January 15, 1995, at 13:45 UTC from the Uchinoura Space Center in Japan. The M-3S2 rocket, specifically the M-3S2-8 variant, was used as the launch vehicle. The total mass of the spacecraft was 765 kg, with the re-entry capsule weighing 400 kg and the service module at 365 kg.

### Failure and Aftermath
The mission ended in failure due to a launch vehicle malfunction, resulting in the loss of the spacecraft. Despite the setback, some data was recovered, contributing to Japan's understanding of re-entry systems and spaceflight challenges.

### Legacy
EXPRESS remains a notable entry in Japan's space history, representing early efforts to develop critical technologies for orbital research. The mission's failure provided valuable lessons for future space exploration endeavors.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/express.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report