# MTSat-1

> Japanese geostationary navigation satellite, lost in a launch failure

**Wikidata**: [Q18278233](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18278233)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mtsat-1

## Summary
MTSat-1, also known as Multifunctional Transport Satellite 1 or Mirai, was a Japanese geostationary satellite intended for navigation, communications, and weather monitoring. Launched on November 15, 1999, it was unfortunately lost due to a launch failure. It was later replaced by MTSat-1R.

## Key Facts
- MTSat-1 was a Japanese geostationary satellite designed for navigation, communications, and weather monitoring.
- It was launched on November 15, 1999, at 07:29 UTC, but was lost in a launch failure.
- The satellite had a launch mass of 2900 kilograms.
- It was operated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
- MTSat-1 was manufactured by Lanteris Space Systems.
- Its launch vehicle was the H-II rocket, specifically the H-II-8F variant, launched from Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 1.
- Following its loss, MTSat-1 was replaced by MTSat-1R.

## FAQs
### Q: What was MTSat-1?
A: MTSat-1 was a Japanese geostationary satellite designed for multiple purposes, including navigation, communications, and weather monitoring. It was also known by the aliases Multifunctional Transport Satellite 1 and Mirai.

### Q: When was MTSat-1 launched?
A: MTSat-1 was launched on November 15, 1999, at 07:29 UTC. The launch took place from Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 1.

### Q: What happened to MTSat-1?
A: MTSat-1 was lost in a launch failure on its launch date, November 15, 1999. This event prevented it from reaching its intended orbit and fulfilling its mission.

### Q: Who operated MTSat-1?
A: MTSat-1 was operated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan.

### Q: What was the launch mass of MTSat-1?
A: The launch mass of MTSat-1 was 2900 kilograms, measured as its launch weight.

## Why It Matters
MTSat-1 represented an ambitious Japanese project aimed at consolidating critical national infrastructure services into a single geostationary satellite. Its intended multi-functional role, encompassing navigation, communications, and weather monitoring, highlighted an integrated approach to providing essential space-based services. The complete loss of MTSat-1 in a launch failure on November 15, 1999, was a significant setback for Japan's space program and its plans for these vital services. This incident underscored the inherent risks associated with space launches and necessitated the subsequent development and launch of its replacement, MTSat-1R, to fulfill the crucial functions originally envisioned for MTSat-1. The failure likely influenced future mission planning and risk assessment strategies for Japanese satellite endeavors.

## Notable For
- Its intended multi-functional role as a navigation, communications, and weather satellite.
- Being a Japanese geostationary satellite.
- Its complete loss due to a launch failure on November 15, 1999.
- Being replaced by MTSat-1R following its failure.

## Body
### Overview
MTSat-1, also known by its aliases Multifunctional Transport Satellite 1 and Mirai, was a Japanese geostationary satellite. It was designed to serve as a multi-purpose platform, combining the functions of a navigation satellite, a communications satellite, and a weather satellite.

### Launch and Failure
MTSat-1 was launched on November 15, 1999, at 07:29 UTC. The launch originated from Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 1. The launch vehicle utilized for this mission was an H-II rocket, specifically the H-II-8F variant. However, the mission resulted in a launch failure on the same day, leading to the complete loss of the satellite.

### Specifications
-   **Launch Mass**: The satellite had a launch weight of 2900 kilograms.
-   **Manufacturer**: MTSat-1 was manufactured by Lanteris Space Systems.
-   **Spacecraft Bus**: The satellite was built upon the Lanteris 1300 spacecraft bus.
-   **Power System**: It was powered by spacecraft solar arrays.

### Operations and Replacement
MTSat-1 was intended to be operated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan. Following its loss in the launch failure, the satellite was subsequently replaced by MTSat-1R to fulfill its intended mission objectives.

## References

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