# Kiku-4

> Japanese technology demonstration satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q14083685](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14083685)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kiku-4

## Summary
Kiku-4, also known as Engineering Test Satellite 3 (ETS-3), is a Japanese technology demonstration satellite launched in 1982. Operated by the National Space Development Agency (NASDA), it was designed to test experimental technologies in space as part of the Kiku satellite series.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** Kiku-4
- **Aliases:** Engineering Test Satellite 3, ETS-3, ETS III, ETS-III
- **Launch Date:** September 3, 1982, at 05:00
- **Launch Vehicle:** N-I (specifically the N-9(F) model)
- **Launch Site:** Osaki Launch Complex, Japan
- **Operator:** National Space Development Agency (NASDA)
- **Classification:** Technology demonstration spacecraft
- **Series:** Part of the Kiku series of Japanese spacecraft
- **Predecessor:** Kiku-3
- **Successor:** Kiku-5
- **Identification Codes:** COSPAR ID 1982-087A, SCN 13492, and NSSDCA ID 1982-087A

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of Kiku-4?
A: Kiku-4 was a technology demonstration spacecraft used to test experimental technologies in a space environment. It served as the third Engineering Test Satellite (ETS-3) in Japan's Kiku program.

### Q: When and how was Kiku-4 launched?
A: Kiku-4 was launched on September 3, 1982, from the Osaki Launch Complex. It was carried into orbit by a Japanese N-I launch vehicle, specifically the N-9(F) configuration.

### Q: Who was responsible for the Kiku-4 mission?
A: The satellite was operated by the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan as part of their ongoing series of technology demonstration missions.

### Q: What satellites preceded and followed Kiku-4?
A: Kiku-4 was preceded in its series by Kiku-3 and was followed by the Kiku-5 mission. Both the predecessor and successor were also Japanese technology demonstration satellites.

## Why It Matters
Kiku-4 represents a critical phase in Japan's development of space technology during the early 1980s. As a member of the Kiku series, it functioned as an orbital laboratory for testing experimental systems that were not yet flight-proven. By successfully deploying Kiku-4 using the N-I launch vehicle, the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) was able to validate engineering concepts and spacecraft components in a real-world environment. These demonstrations provided the foundational data necessary for the advancement of Japan's aerospace capabilities, directly influencing the design and success of subsequent missions like Kiku-5. The mission solidified the role of the Engineering Test Satellite (ETS) program as a cornerstone for Japanese space exploration and technological self-reliance.

## Notable For
- **Experimental Testing:** Specifically classified as a technology demonstration spacecraft for validating new hardware.
- **Series Continuity:** Served as the fourth installment in the Kiku series of Japanese satellites.
- **Launch Platform:** Utilized the N-I rocket, a significant Japanese launch vehicle of the era.
- **Mission Sequence:** Directly bridged the gap between the Kiku-3 and Kiku-5 technology missions.

## Body
### Mission Background
Kiku-4 was developed under the Engineering Test Satellite (ETS) program, designated as ETS-3. Its primary role was to serve as a platform for demonstrating experimental technologies in orbit. The mission was managed by the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan.

### Launch and Orbital Deployment
The satellite was launched on September 3, 1982, with a precise launch time of 05:00. The launch took place at the Osaki Launch Complex in Japan. The mission utilized the N-I launch vehicle, specifically the N-9(F) variant, to achieve its intended orbit.

### Technical Identifiers
Kiku-4 is cataloged under several international and technical identification systems:
*   **COSPAR ID:** 1982-087A
*   **NSSDCA ID:** 1982-087A
*   **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 13492
*   **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "13492"]

### Relationship to the Kiku Series
Kiku-4 is part of a broader lineage of Japanese technology demonstration spacecraft. It was preceded by Kiku-3 and followed by Kiku-5. This series was instrumental in Japan's iterative approach to space technology, where each mission built upon the engineering successes of its predecessor.

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Kiku-4",
  "description": "Japanese technology demonstration satellite also known as Engineering Test Satellite 3 (ETS-3).",
  "alternateName": [
    "Engineering Test Satellite 3",
    "ETS-3",
    "ETS III",
    "ETS-III"
  ],
  "identifier": [
    "1982-087A",
    "13492"
  ],
  "maintainer": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "National Space Development Agency"
  },
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11446581"
  ],
  "additionalType": "technology demonstration spacecraft"
}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report