# M-3C

> Japanese carrier rocket

**Wikidata**: [Q11230709](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11230709)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/m-3c

## Summary
The M-3C is a Japanese solid-fueled carrier rocket belonging to the Mu class of launch vehicles. It is a specific rocket model used to deploy scientific payloads, such as satellites and space observatories, into orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of:** Rocket model
- **Subclass of:** Mu series (Japanese solid-fueled carrier rockets)
- **Country of Origin:** Japan
- **Propulsion Type:** Solid-fueled
- **Aliases:** Mu-3C, M-3C
- **Associated Payloads:** Hakucho (space observatory), Taiyo (satellite), and Tansei 2
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/120s718m
- **Wikipedia Language Availability:** Japanese (ja)

## FAQs
### Q: What is the M-3C?
A: The M-3C is a Japanese carrier rocket model and a member of the Mu series. It is a solid-fueled vehicle designed to launch payloads into space for the Japanese space program.

### Q: What kind of fuel does the M-3C use?
A: The M-3C is a solid-fueled rocket. This propulsion method is a defining characteristic of the Mu class of rockets to which the M-3C belongs.

### Q: Which satellites were launched by the M-3C?
A: The M-3C was responsible for launching several notable Japanese "Things," including the Hakucho space observatory, the Taiyo satellite, and the Tansei 2.

## Why It Matters
The M-3C is a significant component of Japan's Mu series, a lineage of solid-fueled carrier rockets that established the nation's presence in space launch technology. As a specific rocket model within this class, the M-3C served as a critical vehicle for deploying Japan’s early scientific infrastructure. Its relevance is underscored by its successful delivery of the Hakucho space observatory, which allowed for dedicated astronomical study from orbit. 

Furthermore, by launching the Taiyo satellite and the Tansei 2, the M-3C played a vital role in advancing Japan's satellite capabilities and experimental space programs. The rocket represents the technical transition and reliability of the Mu class, which is a major series of Japanese launch vehicles. For researchers and historians of aerospace, the M-3C is a key example of how solid-fueled propulsion was utilized to achieve specific orbital objectives, contributing to the broader success of the Mu program and Japan's independent access to space.

## Notable For
- **Scientific Payload Delivery:** Successfully launched the Hakucho space observatory into orbit for astronomical research.
- **Mu Series Heritage:** Serves as a specific model within the Mu class, a prominent series of Japanese solid-fueled carrier rockets.
- **Satellite Deployment:** Responsible for the orbital launch of the Taiyo satellite and the Tansei 2.
- **Solid-Fuel Propulsion:** Utilizes solid-propellant technology, distinguishing it from liquid-fueled carrier rocket models.

## Body

### Classification and Origin
The M-3C is a rocket model originating from Japan. It is classified as a subclass of the Mu series, which is a well-documented series of Japanese solid-fueled carrier rockets. In technical databases and academic contexts, the rocket is also known by the alias Mu-3C.

### Technical Specifications
As a member of the Mu class, the M-3C is defined by its solid-fueled propulsion system. It is categorized as a carrier rocket, a type of launch vehicle designed to transport payloads from Earth into space. The entity is officially recognized in the Google Knowledge Graph under the identifier /g/120s718m.

### Mission History and Payloads
The M-3C has been utilized to facilitate several key Japanese space missions. Its primary role involved the deployment of scientific and experimental "Things" into orbit. Notable payloads include:
*   **Hakucho:** A space observatory dedicated to astronomical observations.
*   **Taiyo:** A scientific satellite launched to conduct space research.
*   **Tansei 2:** An experimental payload used during the development of Japan's space capabilities.

The rocket's operational history is closely tied to the broader Mu series, which remains a central part of Japan's history in solid-fueled rocketry.