# Kiku-1

> Japanese technology demonstration satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q11264733](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11264733)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kiku-1

## Summary
Kiku-1 was a Japanese technology demonstration satellite launched on September 9, 1975, aboard an N-I rocket from the Osaki Launch Complex. It served as the first satellite in Japan's Kiku series of experimental spacecraft.

## Key Facts
- Kiku-1 was launched on September 9, 1975, at 05:30 from the Osaki Launch Complex
- It was operated by the National Space Development Agency of Japan
- The satellite's launch vehicle was an N-I, specifically the N-1(F) variant
- Kiku-1 had the COSPAR ID 1975-082A and NSSDCA ID 1975-082A
- It was part of the Kiku series of Japanese technology demonstration spacecraft
- Kiku-1 was followed by Kiku-2 in the same series
- The satellite is also known by the aliases Engineering Test Satellite 1, ETS-1, ETS I, and ETS-I
- It had a sitelink count of 5 across different language versions of Wikipedia

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of Kiku-1?
A: Kiku-1 was a technology demonstration spacecraft designed to test experimental technologies in space. As the first satellite in Japan's Kiku series, it served as a testbed for new technologies and capabilities.

### Q: How was Kiku-1 launched into space?
A: Kiku-1 was launched on September 9, 1975, at 05:30 from the Osaki Launch Complex using an N-I launch vehicle, specifically the N-1(F) variant.

### Q: What came after Kiku-1 in the Kiku series?
A: Kiku-1 was followed by Kiku-2, which was also a Japanese technology demonstration satellite. Kiku-2 continued the series' purpose of testing space technologies.

## Why It Matters
Kiku-1 holds significant importance as Japan's first technology demonstration satellite and marked a milestone in the country's space program development. As the inaugural satellite in the Kiku series, it laid the groundwork for Japan's subsequent space exploration efforts and technology development. The successful launch and operation of Kiku-1 demonstrated Japan's capabilities in spacecraft engineering and contributed to the nation's growing presence in the global space community. This early achievement helped establish Japan's trajectory in developing more sophisticated satellites and space technologies, ultimately supporting broader scientific and commercial space activities.

## Notable For
- Being the first satellite in Japan's Kiku series of technology demonstration spacecraft
- Launching on September 9, 1975, aboard an N-I rocket from the Osaki Launch Complex
- Operating under the National Space Development Agency of Japan
- Using the COSPAR ID 1975-082A for identification in international space records
- Being known by multiple technical names including Engineering Test Satellite 1 (ETS-1)

## Body
### Mission Overview
Kiku-1 was a technology demonstration spacecraft operated by Japan's National Space Development Agency. The satellite was part of the Kiku series, which focused on testing experimental technologies in space.

### Technical Specifications
- Satellite identification: COSPAR ID 1975-082A, NSSDCA ID 1975-082A
- Alternative names: Engineering Test Satellite 1, ETS-1, ETS I, ETS-I
- Series: Kiku
- Classification: technology demonstration spacecraft

### Launch Details
- Launch date: September 9, 1975
- Launch time: 05:30
- Launch site: Osaki Launch Complex
- Launch vehicle: N-I (N-1(F) variant)
- Launch event: rocket launch

### Operational Context
- Country: Japan
- Operator: National Space Development Agency
- Country of origin: Japan
- Series succession: followed by Kiku-2

### Digital Presence
- Sitelink count: 5
- Wikipedia languages available: commons, fr, hu, ja, pt
- Commons category: ETS-I

### Legacy and Recognition
Kiku-1 is recognized as Japan's initial entry into technology demonstration satellites, serving as a foundation for the country's subsequent space programs. The satellite's successful mission contributed to Japan's growing expertise in space technology and helped establish the framework for future Kiku series satellites.

## Schema Markup
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{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Kiku-1",
  "description": "Japanese technology demonstration satellite launched on September 9, 1975",
  "url": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/JAXA_Engineering_test_satelite_1.jpg",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q809472"
  ],
  "additionalType": "technology demonstration spacecraft"
}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report