# Ginga

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q1524954](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1524954)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginga_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ginga

## Summary
Ginga (also known as Astro-C) is a Japanese space telescope launched in 1987, designed to observe distant space objects. Operated by the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, it was launched aboard an M-3S2 rocket from the Uchinoura Space Center.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Space telescope
- **Launch date**: February 5, 1987
- **Launch vehicle**: M-3S2
- **Launch site**: Uchinoura Space Center
- **Operator**: Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (Japan)
- **Aliases**: Astro-C, Ginga
- **COSPAR ID**: 1987-012A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1987-012A
- **Wikipedia title**: Ginga (satellite)
- **Wikipedia languages**: Available in 10 languages (ca, de, en, es, fr, gl, he, id, it, ja)

## FAQs
### Q: What was Ginga's primary mission?
A: Ginga was primarily a space telescope designed to observe distant space objects, including X-ray sources in the universe.

### Q: Who operated Ginga?
A: Ginga was operated by the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, a Japanese national research institute.

### Q: What rocket launched Ginga?
A: Ginga was launched aboard an M-3S2 rocket from the Uchinoura Space Center on February 5, 1987.

### Q: What are Ginga's alternative names?
A: Ginga is also known as Astro-C and Ginga.

### Q: What is Ginga's COSPAR ID?
A: Ginga's COSPAR ID is 1987-012A.

## Why It Matters
Ginga played a crucial role in advancing astronomical research by providing detailed observations of X-ray sources in the universe. As a space telescope, it contributed to the understanding of cosmic phenomena, including black holes, neutron stars, and other high-energy astrophysical events. Its mission helped scientists study the dynamics of matter under extreme conditions, enhancing knowledge of stellar evolution and the structure of the universe. The data collected by Ginga remains valuable for ongoing research in astrophysics.

## Notable For
- **First Japanese space telescope**: Ginga was the first Japanese space telescope, marking a significant milestone in the country's space exploration efforts.
- **X-ray astronomy**: It specialized in X-ray astronomy, observing high-energy cosmic events.
- **Operational longevity**: Ginga's mission provided long-term data on X-ray sources, contributing to astrophysical research.
- **Collaborative research**: The satellite's findings supported international collaborations in space science.

## Body
### Overview
Ginga (Astro-C) was a Japanese space telescope launched on February 5, 1987, aboard an M-3S2 rocket from the Uchinoura Space Center. Operated by the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, it was designed to observe distant space objects, particularly X-ray sources in the universe.

### Mission and Objectives
Ginga's primary mission was to study X-ray emissions from celestial objects, including black holes, neutron stars, and other high-energy astrophysical phenomena. The satellite's observations contributed to the understanding of stellar evolution, cosmic dynamics, and the structure of the universe.

### Technical Specifications
- **Launch date**: February 5, 1987
- **Launch vehicle**: M-3S2
- **Launch site**: Uchinoura Space Center
- **Operator**: Institute of Space and Astronautical Science
- **COSPAR ID**: 1987-012A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1987-012A

### Significance
Ginga was a pioneering Japanese space telescope, marking a significant achievement in the country's space exploration program. Its data continues to be used in astrophysical research, providing insights into the behavior of matter under extreme conditions.

### Legacy
Ginga's mission laid the groundwork for future space telescopes and contributed to international efforts in X-ray astronomy. The satellite's findings remain relevant in the study of cosmic phenomena and stellar evolution.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013