# µ-LabSat

> Japanese technology demonstration satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q11339592](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11339592)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/labsat

## Summary
µ-LabSat is a Japanese technology demonstration microsatellite operated by the National Space Development Agency. Weighing approximately 68 kilograms, it was successfully launched on December 14, 2002, aboard an H-IIA rocket. The spacecraft serves as an orbital platform for demonstrating experimental technologies in a Sun-synchronous orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** µ-LabSat is defined as both a technology demonstration spacecraft and a microsatellite (generally less than 100 to 200 kg).
- **Launch Date:** December 14, 2002, at 01:31 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle:** H-IIA (specifically the H-IIA-4F configuration).
- **Launch Site:** Yoshinobu Launch Complex, Launch Pad 1.
- **Orbit:** Sun-synchronous orbit.
- **Mass:** 68 kilograms.
- **Operator:** National Space Development Agency (Japan).
- **COSPAR ID:** 2002-056D.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 27600.
- **Also Known As:** Micro-LabSat, Micro-Lab-Sat, MicroLabSat, Mu-LabSat, Mu-Lab-Sat.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of the µ-LabSat mission?
A: µ-LabSat was designed as a technology demonstration spacecraft. Its role was to test and validate experimental technologies in space, falling under the classification of a microsatellite intended for research and development.

### Q: When and how was µ-LabSat launched?
A: The satellite was launched on December 14, 2002, at 01:31 UTC. It was delivered to orbit by an H-IIA expendable medium-lift launch vehicle, lifting off from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 1.

### Q: Who operated µ-LabSat and where is it located?
A: The satellite was operated by the National Space Development Agency of Japan. It orbits the Earth in a Sun-synchronous orbit.

## Why It Matters
µ-LabSat represents a significant step in Japan's aerospace engineering, specifically in the domain of microsatellites. By utilizing a spacecraft weighing only 68 kilograms, the mission highlighted the feasibility of conducting meaningful technology demonstrations in space without the need for massive, expensive standalone platforms. As a technology demonstration spacecraft, it allowed the National Space Development Agency to test experimental components and systems in the harsh environment of a Sun-synchronous orbit.

The mission also demonstrated the capability of the H-IIA launch vehicle to carry and deploy secondary or ride-share payloads efficiently. Launching from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex, the deployment of µ-LabSat (cataloged as 2002-056D) contributes to the broader understanding of small satellite utility in national space programs, paving the way for more agile and cost-effective space exploration strategies.

## Notable For
- **Microsatellite Classification:** Distinct from larger satellites, it falls into the microsatellite class (under 100–200 kg), weighing specifically 68 kg.
- **Technology Demonstration:** Serves specifically to demonstrate experimental technologies rather than operational services.
- **H-IIA Deployment:** It is a notable payload associated with the Japanese H-IIA expendable medium-lift launch vehicle.
- **Multiple Nomenclatures:** The entity is recognized under various aliases, including Micro-LabSat, Mu-LabSat, and Μ-LabSat, reflecting transliteration variations.

## Body

### Mission Overview
µ-LabSat is an artificial satellite developed and operated by Japan. It is classified as a technology demonstration spacecraft, a category of spacecraft dedicated to testing new technologies in space. It is also categorized as a microsatellite, defined as a miniaturized satellite generally weighing less than 100 to 200 kilograms.

### Technical Specifications
The satellite has a recorded mass of 68 kilograms. Its operational orbit is a Sun-synchronous orbit, a specific type of orbit where the satellite passes over any given point of the planet's surface at the same local mean solar time.

### Launch and Deployment
µ-LabSat was launched on December 14, 2002. The specific time of the launch event was 01:31. The launch vehicle used was the H-IIA, a Japanese expendable medium-lift rocket, using the H-IIA-4F configuration. The launch originated from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex, specifically Launch Pad 1.

### Identifiers and Operators
The satellite is identified internationally by the COSPAR ID 2002-056D and the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 27600. The operating agency for the spacecraft is the National Space Development Agency. Alternative names for the entity include Micro-LabSat, Micro-Lab-Sat, MicroLabSat, Mu-LabSat, Mu-Lab-Sat, and Μ-LabSat.

## References

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