# OREX

> Japanese re-entry demonstrator prototype

**Wikidata**: [Q3775410](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3775410)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OREX)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/orex

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for OREX:

---

## Summary
OREX (Orbital Re-Entry Experiment) is a Japanese technology demonstration spacecraft designed to test atmospheric reentry capabilities. Launched in 1994, it was a prototype reentry capsule developed by Japan's National Space Development Agency (NASDA) to validate critical technologies for future spacecraft. It successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean after completing its mission.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: February 3, 1994, at 22:20 UTC from Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 1.  
- **Landing Date**: February 4, 1994, at approximately 00:30 UTC in the Pacific Ocean.  
- **Mass**: 865 kg at launch, 761 kg at landing.  
- **Dimensions**: 1.46 meters in height, 3.40 meters in diameter.  
- **Operator/Manufacturer**: National Space Development Agency (NASDA).  
- **Launch Vehicle**: H-II rocket (H-II-1F variant).  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1994-007A.  
- **Followed By**: HYFLEX, another Japanese reentry prototype launched in 1996.  
- **Instance Of**: Reentry capsule, technology demonstration spacecraft.  

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of OREX?  
A: OREX was designed to test atmospheric reentry technologies, including heat shielding and flight dynamics, to support future Japanese spacecraft development.  

### Q: Where did OREX land after its mission?  
A: OREX splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on February 4, 1994, after completing its reentry and descent.  

### Q: What rocket launched OREX?  
A: OREX was launched aboard an H-II rocket (specifically the H-II-1F variant) from Japan's Yoshinobu Launch Complex.  

## Why It Matters  
OREX played a pivotal role in Japan's space program by validating reentry technologies essential for future missions, including crewed spacecraft and reusable vehicles. Its success demonstrated Japan's capability to develop and operate reentry capsules, laying groundwork for later projects like HYFLEX and the HOPE spaceplane program. By testing heat shielding and aerodynamic stability during reentry, OREX contributed to global advancements in spacecraft design, particularly for high-speed atmospheric reentry. Its data informed safety and engineering standards for subsequent missions, reinforcing Japan's position in space exploration.

## Notable For  
- **First Japanese Reentry Demonstrator**: OREX was Japan's first dedicated prototype to test reentry technologies.  
- **Critical Data Collection**: Provided valuable insights into heat shield performance and flight dynamics during reentry.  
- **Precursor to HYFLEX**: Directly influenced the development of the HYFLEX prototype, which followed in 1996.  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
- Launched on February 3, 1994, aboard an H-II rocket.  
- Primary objective: Validate reentry technologies for future spacecraft.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Mass**: 865 kg (launch), 761 kg (landing).  
- **Dimensions**: 1.46 m tall, 3.40 m in diameter.  
- **Design**: Cone-shaped reentry capsule with heat shielding.  

### Launch and Landing  
- **Launch Site**: Yoshinobu Launch Complex, Pad 1.  
- **Landing Site**: Pacific Ocean (coordinates not specified).  
- **Flight Duration**: Approximately 26 hours from launch to splashdown.  

### Legacy  
- Followed by HYFLEX in 1996, which expanded on OREX's reentry testing.  
- Contributed to Japan's HOPE spaceplane program and broader reentry technology research.  

## Schema Markup  
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "OREX",
  "description": "Japanese re-entry demonstrator prototype",
  "url": "https://global.jaxa.jp/projects/rockets/orex/index.html",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q22978",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OREX"
  ],
  "additionalType": ["Reentry capsule", "Technology demonstration spacecraft"]
}
```

--- 

This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/orex.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://planet4589.org/space/jsr/back/news.183.txt)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Source](https://global.jaxa.jp/projects/rockets/orex/index.html)