# Himawari 2

> Japanese meteorological satellite launched in 1981

**Wikidata**: [Q11276482](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11276482)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/himawari-2

## Summary
Himawari 2 is a Japanese meteorological satellite launched in 1981 as part of the Himawari series. It was a spin-stabilized weather satellite designed to monitor weather and climate, and it later became a derelict satellite after its operational life ended.

## Key Facts
- Launched on August 10, 1981, at 20:03 UTC from the Osaki Launch Complex.
- Part of the Himawari series of Japanese meteorological satellites.
- Operated by the National Space Development Agency and later the Japan Meteorological Agency.
- Massed 653 kg at launch and 296 kg at service entry.
- Measured 345 cm in height and had a diameter of 215 cm.
- Used spin stabilization for attitude control.
- Launched aboard an N-II rocket (N-8(F) variant).
- Decommissioned in 1984 and moved to a graveyard orbit in 1987.
- Followed by Himawari 3 and preceded by Himawari 1.
- Manufactured by Hughes Aircraft Company (United States).
- Operated in geostationary orbit.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Himawari 2's primary purpose?
A: Himawari 2 was a weather satellite designed to monitor weather and climate, specifically as part of Japan's meteorological satellite program.

### Q: Who operated Himawari 2?
A: Himawari 2 was initially operated by the National Space Development Agency of Japan and later by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

### Q: When was Himawari 2 decommissioned?
A: Himawari 2 was decommissioned in 1984 and later moved to a graveyard orbit in 1987.

### Q: What type of orbit did Himawari 2 use?
A: Himawari 2 operated in a geostationary orbit, allowing it to remain stationary relative to the Earth's surface.

### Q: What was unique about Himawari 2's design?
A: Himawari 2 was a spin-stabilized satellite, meaning it used rotational motion to maintain its orientation in space.

## Why It Matters
Himawari 2 was a significant early contribution to Japan's meteorological satellite program, providing crucial weather data for the country. As part of the Himawari series, it helped establish Japan's capabilities in space-based weather monitoring. Its spin-stabilized design was innovative for its time, ensuring stable operation despite its relatively simple structure. Although it was decommissioned in 1984, it laid the groundwork for future advancements in Japanese weather satellites, including the more advanced Himawari 8 and 9, which continue to provide high-resolution imagery for weather forecasting and climate monitoring today.

## Notable For
- First Japanese meteorological satellite to use spin stabilization.
- Part of the early Himawari series, which pioneered Japan's weather satellite program.
- Operated in geostationary orbit, providing continuous weather monitoring.
- Developed by Hughes Aircraft Company, marking a collaboration between Japan and the U.S.
- Later became a derelict satellite, demonstrating the lifecycle of a space mission.

## Body
### Launch and Design
Himawari 2 was launched on August 10, 1981, aboard an N-II rocket (N-8(F) variant) from the Osaki Launch Complex. It was a spin-stabilized satellite, meaning it relied on rotational motion to maintain its orientation in space. This design choice was innovative for its time and helped ensure stable operation despite its relatively simple structure.

### Operational Life
Himawari 2 was part of the Himawari series, which was developed by Japan to enhance its weather monitoring capabilities. It was operated by the National Space Development Agency of Japan and later by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The satellite was decommissioned in 1984 but remained in orbit until it was moved to a graveyard orbit in 1987.

### Technical Specifications
Himawari 2 had a mass of 653 kg at launch and 296 kg at service entry. Its dimensions were 345 cm in height and 215 cm in diameter. It was manufactured by Hughes Aircraft Company, reflecting a collaboration between Japan and the United States. The satellite was equipped with instruments to monitor weather and climate, contributing to Japan's early efforts in space-based meteorology.

### Legacy
Himawari 2 played a crucial role in Japan's early meteorological satellite program, paving the way for more advanced satellites like Himawari 8 and 9. Its spin-stabilized design and geostationary orbit provided continuous weather data, supporting Japan's weather forecasting and climate monitoring efforts. Although it is now a derelict satellite, it remains an important part of Japan's space history.

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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/gms-2.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.jaxa.jp/projects/sat/gms/index_j.html)
4. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1981-076A)