# Jikiken

> Japanese research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q3178657](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3178657)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jikiken

## Summary
Jikiken, also known as EXOS-B, is a Japanese research satellite primarily designed to monitor Earth's magnetosphere and related regions. Operated by the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, it was launched on September 16, 1978, from the Uchinoura Space Center. The satellite played a role in the EXOS program and the International Magnetospheric Study.

## Key Facts
*   **Aliases**: EXOS-B
*   **Launch Date**: September 16, 1978, at 08:05
*   **Operator**: Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS)
*   **Launch Vehicle**: M-3H (specifically M-3H-3)
*   **Launch Site**: Uchinoura Space Center, Japan
*   **Mass**: 92 kilograms
*   **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array, providing 30 watts
*   **Classification**: Geomagnetic satellite
*   **Programs**: Part of the EXOS program and the International Magnetospheric Study
*   **Identifiers**: COSPAR ID 1978-087A, NSSDC ID 1978-087A, SCN 11027

## FAQs
### Q: What is Jikiken?
A: Jikiken, also known as EXOS-B, is a Japanese research satellite. It is classified as a geomagnetic satellite, designed to monitor Earth's magnetosphere and related regions.

### Q: When was Jikiken launched?
A: Jikiken was launched on September 16, 1978, at 08:05. The launch took place from the Uchinoura Space Center in Japan.

### Q: Who operated Jikiken?
A: Jikiken was operated by the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS). ISAS is a Japanese national research institute that was established in 1955.

### Q: What was Jikiken's primary purpose?
A: Jikiken's primary purpose was to function as a geomagnetic satellite, monitoring Earth's magnetosphere and related regions. It was part of both the EXOS program and the International Magnetospheric Study.

### Q: What was the alternative name for Jikiken?
A: Jikiken was also known by its alias, EXOS-B.

## Why It Matters
Jikiken played a significant role in advancing humanity's understanding of Earth's magnetosphere, the region of space controlled by Earth's magnetic field. As a geomagnetic satellite, it contributed crucial data to the International Magnetospheric Study and the broader EXOS program. By monitoring this vital region, Jikiken helped scientists study phenomena such as solar wind interactions, geomagnetic storms, and the dynamics of charged particles trapped in the magnetosphere. This research is essential for understanding space weather, which can impact satellite operations, communication systems, and even power grids on Earth. Its contributions provided valuable insights into the complex processes governing our planet's space environment.

## Notable For
*   **Dual Naming**: Known by both Jikiken and its alias, EXOS-B.
*   **Specific Scientific Focus**: Dedicated as a geomagnetic satellite to monitor Earth's magnetosphere.
*   **International Contribution**: Part of the International Magnetospheric Study, indicating its role in a global scientific effort.
*   **Operational Continuity**: Followed the Kyokko satellite and was succeeded by Ohzora, indicating its place in a series of Japanese research missions.
*   **Compact Design**: Had a relatively low mass of 92 kilograms.

## Body

### Overview
Jikiken, officially designated EXOS-B, is a Japanese research satellite. It is classified as a geomagnetic satellite, designed for the specific purpose of monitoring Earth's magnetosphere and associated regions. It was developed and operated by the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), a Japanese national research institute established in 1955.

### Launch Details
Jikiken was launched on September 16, 1978, at 08:05 local time. The launch vehicle used was the M-3H, specifically the M-3H-3 variant, a Japanese launch vehicle. The satellite was launched from the Uchinoura Space Center in Japan. This event is recorded as a significant rocket launch.

### Technical Specifications
*   **Mass**: 92 kilograms
*   **Power Source**: The satellite was powered by a spacecraft solar array, which provided 30 watts of power.
*   **Identifiers**:
    *   SCN: 11027
    *   COSPAR ID: 1978-087A
    *   NSSDC ID: 1978-087A

### Program Affiliations
Jikiken was an integral component of two major scientific initiatives:
*   **EXOS program**: A series of Japanese scientific satellites.
*   **International Magnetospheric Study**: A global research effort focused on Earth's magnetosphere.

### Predecessors and Successors
Jikiken followed the Japanese research satellite Kyokko in the series of missions. It was subsequently followed by another Japanese research satellite, Ohzora.

## Schema Markup
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  "@type": "Thing",
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/exos-b.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1978-087A)