# Kiku-3

> Japanese technology demonstration satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q11264736](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11264736)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kiku-3

## Summary
Kiku-3 was a Japanese technology demonstration satellite launched on February 11, 1981, from the Osaki Launch Complex. It was part of Japan's Kiku series of experimental spacecraft designed to test new space technologies. The satellite was operated by Japan's National Space Development Agency.

## Key Facts
- Launched on February 11, 1981, at 08:30 from Osaki Launch Complex
- Launched using an N-II rocket (N-7(F) configuration)
- Satellite designation: 12295 (COSPAR ID: 1981-012A)
- Also known as Engineering Test Satellite 4, ETS-4, ETS-IV, ETS-III
- Operated by Japan's National Space Development Agency
- Preceded by Kiku-2 and succeeded by Kiku-4 in the Kiku series
- Part of Japan's Kiku series of technology demonstration spacecraft
- Country of origin: Japan
- Available in Wikipedia languages: Japanese, Portuguese, and Commons

## FAQs
### Q: What was Kiku-3's primary purpose?
A: Kiku-3 was a technology demonstration satellite designed to test experimental space technologies as part of Japan's Kiku series of engineering test satellites.

### Q: When and how was Kiku-3 launched?
A: Kiku-3 was launched on February 11, 1981, at 08:30 from Japan's Osaki Launch Complex using an N-II rocket in the N-7(F) configuration.

### Q: Who operated Kiku-3?
A: Kiku-3 was operated by Japan's National Space Development Agency (now part of JAXA).

## Why It Matters
Kiku-3 represented an important step in Japan's development of space technology capabilities during the early 1980s. As part of the Kiku series, it contributed to Japan's growing expertise in satellite engineering and space operations. Technology demonstration satellites like Kiku-3 are crucial for validating new systems and components before they are used in operational missions. This satellite helped establish Japan as a capable spacefaring nation and provided valuable experience in satellite design, launch operations, and space-based technology testing. The knowledge gained from Kiku-3 and its sister satellites directly contributed to Japan's later successes in communications, Earth observation, and scientific satellites.

## Notable For
- First satellite in the Kiku series to use the N-II launch vehicle
- Part of Japan's pioneering efforts in space technology demonstration
- Operated by Japan's National Space Development Agency, predecessor to JAXA
- One of the early engineering test satellites that helped establish Japan's space program
- Featured multiple naming conventions (ETS-4, ETS-IV, ETS-III) reflecting its experimental nature

## Body
### Technical Specifications
Kiku-3 was designated as satellite number 12295 and carried the COSPAR ID 1981-012A. The satellite was part of Japan's Engineering Test Satellite program, which focused on developing and validating new space technologies.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched on February 11, 1981, at precisely 08:30 local time from the Osaki Launch Complex in Japan. The launch vehicle was an N-II rocket configured as N-7(F), which was a Japanese-developed launch system.

### Program Context
Kiku-3 was the third satellite in Japan's Kiku series of technology demonstration spacecraft. The series was operated by the National Space Development Agency of Japan, which later evolved into JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). The Kiku program focused on engineering test satellites that could validate new technologies for future operational missions.

### Naming Conventions
The satellite was known by multiple designations, including Engineering Test Satellite 4 (ETS-4), ETS-IV, ETS-III, and ETS-IV. This multiplicity of names reflects the experimental nature of the program and the different naming conventions used in various documentation and contexts.

### Program Position
Kiku-3 followed Kiku-2 in the series and was succeeded by Kiku-4. This sequential development allowed for incremental improvements and technology maturation across the Kiku program.

## Schema Markup
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  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Kiku-3",
  "description": "Japanese technology demonstration satellite launched in 1981",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiku-3",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiku-3"
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  "additionalType": "Satellite"
}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report