# Kiku-8

> Japanese communications demonstration satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q4220447](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4220447)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ETS-VIII)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kiku-8

## Summary
Kiku-8, also known as ETS-8 (Engineering Test Satellite 8), is a Japanese communications demonstration satellite launched in 2006 to test experimental technologies in geostationary orbit. Operated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), it is part of the Kiku series of technology demonstration spacecraft and was designed to advance satellite communications capabilities.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: December 18, 2006, at 06:32 UTC from Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 1.
- **Mass**: 5,800 kg at launch.
- **Operator**: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
- **Manufacturer**: Mitsubishi Electric.
- **Launch Vehicle**: H-IIA (H-IIA-11 variant).
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: DS2000.
- **Aliases**: Engineering Test Satellite 8, ETS-8, ETS VIII, ETS-VIII, Kiku 8.
- **Predecessor**: Kiku-7 Chaser, a Japanese rendezvous demonstration satellite.
- **Part of**: The Kiku series of Japanese technology demonstration spacecraft.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of Kiku-8?
A: Kiku-8 is a technology demonstration spacecraft designed to test experimental communications technologies in geostationary orbit. It is part of Japan's efforts to advance satellite communications capabilities.

### Q: When was Kiku-8 launched?
A: Kiku-8 was launched on December 18, 2006, at 06:32 UTC from Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 1.

### Q: Who operates Kiku-8?
A: Kiku-8 is operated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

### Q: What is the mass of Kiku-8?
A: The launch weight of Kiku-8 is 5,800 kg.

### Q: What is the significance of the Kiku series?
A: The Kiku series is a line of Japanese technology demonstration spacecraft aimed at testing and advancing various space technologies, including communications and rendezvous capabilities.

## Why It Matters
Kiku-8 represents a significant step in Japan's space technology development, particularly in the field of satellite communications. As a technology demonstration spacecraft, it plays a crucial role in testing and validating new technologies that can be used in future satellite missions. The success of Kiku-8 contributes to the advancement of Japan's space program and its capabilities in geostationary orbit operations. Additionally, the data and insights gained from Kiku-8 can inform the design and development of future communications satellites, enhancing their performance and reliability. This, in turn, can have broader implications for global communications infrastructure, including improved connectivity and data transmission capabilities.

## Notable For
- **Technology Demonstration**: Kiku-8 is part of a series of spacecraft designed to demonstrate experimental technologies, contributing to the advancement of space technology.
- **Geostationary Orbit**: It operates in geostationary orbit, which is crucial for communications satellites to maintain a fixed position relative to the Earth's surface.
- **High Mass**: With a launch weight of 5,800 kg, Kiku-8 is a substantial satellite, reflecting its advanced capabilities and the technologies it carries.
- **Part of the Kiku Series**: As part of the Kiku series, Kiku-8 continues the legacy of Japanese technology demonstration spacecraft, building on the successes and lessons learned from previous missions like Kiku-7 Chaser.
- **Manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric**: The involvement of Mitsubishi Electric, a major Japanese electronics and electrical equipment manufacturer, highlights the collaboration between industry and space agencies in advancing space technology.

## Body
### Overview
Kiku-8, also known as ETS-8, is a Japanese communications demonstration satellite launched on December 18, 2006. It is part of the Kiku series of technology demonstration spacecraft operated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

### Launch and Orbit
- **Launch Date**: December 18, 2006, at 06:32 UTC.
- **Launch Site**: Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 1.
- **Launch Vehicle**: H-IIA (H-IIA-11 variant).
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 5,800 kg at launch.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: DS2000.
- **Manufacturer**: Mitsubishi Electric.

### Mission and Objectives
Kiku-8 is designed to test and demonstrate experimental communications technologies in geostationary orbit. Its mission includes advancing satellite communications capabilities and validating new technologies for future satellite missions.

### Relationships and Classifications
- **Instance Of**: Technology demonstration spacecraft, communications satellite.
- **Part Of**: Kiku series of Japanese technology demonstration spacecraft.
- **Follows**: Kiku-7 Chaser, a Japanese rendezvous demonstration satellite.
- **Operator**: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
- **Country of Origin**: Japan.

### Identifiers
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 29656.
- **COSPAR ID**: 2006-059A.
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2006-059A.
- **Freebase ID**: /m/02r4f4j.

## Schema Markup
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  "description": "Japanese communications demonstration satellite launched in 2006 to test experimental technologies in geostationary orbit.",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ETS-VIII",
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/ets-8.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report