# Kiku-5

> Japanese technology demonstration satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q11264738](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11264738)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kiku-5

## Summary
Kiku-5, also known as Engineering Test Satellite 5 (ETS-5), is a Japanese technology demonstration satellite launched on August 27, 1987, to test experimental space technologies. It was part of the Kiku series of satellites operated by the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) and played a role in advancing Japan's space technology development.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: August 27, 1987, at 09:20 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: H-I rocket (model H-17(F)) from Osaki Launch Complex.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1987-070A.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 18316.
- **Operator**: National Space Development Agency (NASDA).
- **Series**: Part of the Kiku series, preceded by Kiku-4 and followed by Kiku-6.
- **Aliases**: ETS-5, ETS V, ETS-V.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Kiku-5 launched?
A: Kiku-5 was launched on August 27, 1987, at 09:20 UTC, aboard an H-I rocket from Osaki Launch Complex in Japan.

### Q: What was the purpose of Kiku-5?
A: Kiku-5 was designed to demonstrate and test experimental space technologies as part of Japan's efforts to advance its satellite and space exploration capabilities.

### Q: Is Kiku-5 part of a larger satellite series?
A: Yes, Kiku-5 belongs to the Kiku series of Japanese technology demonstration satellites, succeeding Kiku-4 and preceding Kiku-6.

## Why It Matters
Kiku-5 holds significance as part of Japan's broader initiative to develop and refine space technologies through its Kiku satellite series. As a technology demonstration spacecraft, it contributed to testing critical systems and instruments that supported advancements in communication, Earth observation, and satellite design. Operated by NASDA (a precursor to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), Kiku-5 reflects Japan's strategic investment in space infrastructure during the 1980s, laying groundwork for future missions and reinforcing the country's position in global space research.

## Notable For
- **Series Contribution**: Part of the Kiku series, which was central to Japan's technology demonstration efforts in space.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Utilized the H-I rocket, a key Japanese launch vehicle of the 1980s.
- **Operational Heritage**: Operated by NASDA, a pivotal agency in Japan's early space program.
- **Identification**: Designated as both Kiku-5 and ETS-5, with unique identifiers (COSPAR ID 1987-070A, SCN 18316).

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date/Time**: Launched on August 27, 1987, at 09:20 UTC.
- **Launch Site**: Osaki Launch Complex, Japan.
- **Rocket**: H-I liquid-fueled carrier rocket (configuration H-17(F)).

### Mission Context
- **Objective**: To demonstrate and test experimental technologies in space.
- **Series Role**: Fifth satellite in the Kiku series, continuing the mission of its predecessors (e.g., Kiku-4) and preceding Kiku-6.
- **Operator**: Managed by the National Space Development Agency (NASDA), Japan's primary space agency at the time.

### Technical Specifications
- **Identifiers**:
  - **COSPAR ID**: 1987-070A.
  - **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 18316.
- **Aliases**: Engineering Test Satellite 5 (ETS-5), ETS V, ETS-V.

### Legacy
- **Programmatic Impact**: Contributed to Japan's technological advancements in satellite development and space exploration.
- **Documentation**: Recorded in international catalogs (e.g., NASA's NSSDCA database) and referenced in academic sources.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Kiku-5",
  "description": "Japanese technology demonstration satellite launched in 1987 as part of the Kiku series.",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18316",
    "https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/きく5号"
  ],
  "additionalType": "https://schema.org/Satellite"
}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report