# Kiku-2

> Japanese technology demonstration satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q11264735](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11264735)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kiku-2

## Summary
Kiku-2 is a Japanese technology demonstration satellite launched in 1977 as part of the Kiku series. It was designed to test experimental technologies in space and was operated by the National Space Development Agency of Japan.

## Key Facts
- Launched on February 23, 1977, at 08:50 UTC from the Osaki Launch Complex.
- Operated by the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan.
- Part of the Kiku series of Japanese technology demonstration spacecraft.
- Followed by Kiku-3 and preceded by Kiku-1.
- Launched using the N-I launch vehicle, specifically the N-3(F) variant.
- Also known by aliases: Engineering Test Satellite 2 (ETS-2), ETS II, ETS-II.
- COSPAR ID: 1977-014A, NSSDCA ID: 1977-014A.
- Sitelink count: 4 (Wikidata).

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Kiku-2?
A: Kiku-2 was a technology demonstration satellite designed to test experimental technologies in space.

### Q: When was Kiku-2 launched?
A: Kiku-2 was launched on February 23, 1977, at 08:50 UTC.

### Q: What launch vehicle was used for Kiku-2?
A: The N-I launch vehicle, specifically the N-3(F) variant, was used to launch Kiku-2.

### Q: Who operated Kiku-2?
A: Kiku-2 was operated by the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan.

### Q: What are the aliases for Kiku-2?
A: Kiku-2 is also known as Engineering Test Satellite 2 (ETS-2), ETS II, and ETS-II.

## Why It Matters
Kiku-2 played a significant role in advancing Japan's space technology capabilities. As a technology demonstration satellite, it provided a platform for testing experimental technologies in the harsh environment of space. This mission contributed to the development of more robust and reliable spacecraft systems, which are crucial for various applications such as communication, Earth observation, and scientific research. By successfully demonstrating these technologies, Kiku-2 helped pave the way for future Japanese satellite missions and strengthened Japan's position in the global space community.

## Notable For
- Being part of the Kiku series, a significant series of Japanese technology demonstration spacecraft.
- Successfully demonstrating experimental technologies in space.
- Being launched using the N-I launch vehicle, a notable Japanese launch vehicle.
- Contributing to the advancement of Japan's space technology capabilities.

## Body
### Launch and Mission Details
Kiku-2 was launched on February 23, 1977, at 08:50 UTC from the Osaki Launch Complex. The launch vehicle used was the N-I, specifically the N-3(F) variant. The mission was operated by the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan.

### Technology Demonstration
As a technology demonstration satellite, Kiku-2 was designed to test experimental technologies in space. These technologies are crucial for the development of more robust and reliable spacecraft systems.

### Part of the Kiku Series
Kiku-2 is part of the Kiku series of Japanese technology demonstration spacecraft. This series has played a significant role in advancing Japan's space technology capabilities.

### Aliases
Kiku-2 is also known by several aliases, including Engineering Test Satellite 2 (ETS-2), ETS II, and ETS-II.

### Identification Codes
Kiku-2 has the following identification codes:
- COSPAR ID: 1977-014A
- NSSDCA ID: 1977-014A

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Kiku-2",
  "description": "Japanese technology demonstration satellite launched in 1977.",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q177837", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiku-2"],
  "additionalType": "Technology demonstration spacecraft"
}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report