# Hakucho

> space observatory

**Wikidata**: [Q1570051](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1570051)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakucho)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hakucho

## Summary
Hakucho was a Japanese X-ray astronomy satellite launched on February 21, 1979, from the Uchinoura Space Center. It was Japan's first X-ray astronomy satellite and operated as a space observatory to study cosmic X-ray sources. The satellite was also known by the designations CORSA-B, CORSA-A, and CORSA.

## Key Facts
- Launched on February 21, 1979, from Uchinoura Space Center using an M-3C carrier rocket
- Had the COSPAR ID 1979-014A and NSSDCA ID 1979-014A
- Classified as a space telescope and space observatory
- Also known by aliases: CORSA-B, CORSA-A, CORSA, and Hakucho
- Had 14 Wikipedia sitelinks across multiple languages including English, Japanese, German, and French
- Featured in Wikimedia Commons with the category "Hakuchō (satellite)"
- Had a Wolfram Language entity code of Entity["Satellite", "11272"]

## FAQs
### Q: What was Hakucho's primary mission?
A: Hakucho was Japan's first X-ray astronomy satellite, designed to observe cosmic X-ray sources from space. It operated as a space observatory to study high-energy phenomena in the universe.

### Q: When and how was Hakucho launched?
A: Hakucho was launched on February 21, 1979, from the Uchinoura Space Center in Japan using an M-3C carrier rocket.

### Q: What other names was Hakucho known by?
A: The satellite was also designated as CORSA-B, CORSA-A, and CORSA, in addition to its primary name Hakucho.

## Why It Matters
Hakucho represented a significant milestone in Japan's space program as the nation's first dedicated X-ray astronomy satellite. By observing cosmic X-ray sources from space, it helped advance our understanding of high-energy astrophysical phenomena that cannot be studied from Earth's surface due to atmospheric absorption. The successful launch and operation of Hakucho demonstrated Japan's growing capabilities in space-based astronomy and contributed to the global effort to map the X-ray universe. As a space observatory, it played a crucial role in expanding humanity's observational window beyond visible light, allowing scientists to study black holes, neutron stars, and other energetic cosmic objects that emit X-rays.

## Notable For
- First Japanese X-ray astronomy satellite, marking a major achievement in Japan's space program
- Successfully operated as a space observatory for studying cosmic X-ray sources
- Launched using Japan's M-3C carrier rocket, demonstrating domestic launch capabilities
- Part of the CORSA (Cosmic Radiation Satellite) series of X-ray astronomy satellites
- Contributed to the global network of space-based X-ray observatories during the late 1970s

## Body
### Technical Specifications and Classification
Hakucho was classified as both a space telescope and space observatory, specifically designed for X-ray astronomy observations. The satellite had the Wikidata identifier Q206855 and was recognized as an instance of space telescope in the knowledge base.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched on February 21, 1979, from the Uchinoura Space Center, which is located in Japan. The launch vehicle used was an M-3C carrier rocket, which was a Japanese-developed rocket system. This launch represented a significant achievement for Japan's space program.

### Identification and Documentation
Hakucho was assigned multiple identification codes across different systems:
- COSPAR ID: 1979-014A
- NSSDCA ID: 1979-014A
- Wikidata QID: Q206855
- VAF ID: 3168148814298445330004
- Freebase ID: /m/025zytg

### International Recognition
The satellite had documentation and presence across multiple Wikimedia projects and language editions:
- Wikipedia articles in 9 languages: commons, de, en, fr, gl, he, id, ja, lb, nl
- Wikimedia Commons category: Hakuchō (satellite)
- Wolfram Language entity recognition

### Historical Context
As Japan's first X-ray astronomy satellite, Hakucho represented the country's entry into the field of space-based X-ray astronomy. The satellite was part of a series of X-ray astronomy missions that helped establish Japan as a significant contributor to space science, particularly in the study of high-energy astrophysical phenomena.

## References

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