# Ouna

> Japanese space probe

**Wikidata**: [Q28473147](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28473147)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ouna

## Summary
Ouna is a Japanese space probe launched on September 14, 2007, as a component of the SELENE mission. It is an unmanned robotic spacecraft designed to explore outer space beyond Earth's orbit, specifically serving as a VLBI (Very Long Baseline Interferometry) radio satellite.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Space probe (unmanned robotic spacecraft)
- **Mission Affiliation:** Part of the SELENE (Kaguya) mission
- **Launch Date:** September 14, 2007
- **Launch Vehicle:** H-IIA (Japanese expendable medium-lift launch vehicle)
- **Launch Site:** Tanegashima, Japan
- **Country of Origin:** Japan
- **COSPAR ID:** 2007-039C
- **NSSDCA ID:** 2007-039C
- **NAIF ID:** -502
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 32056

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of Ouna?
A: Ouna served as a sub-satellite for the SELENE mission, specifically functioning as a VLBI (Very Long Baseline Interferometry) radio satellite. It was designed to conduct scientific observations and explore outer space as an unmanned robotic probe.

### Q: What are the alternative names for Ouna?
A: Ouna is known by several aliases, including Vstar, SELENE Vstar, VSAT, and the SELENE VRAD (VLBI Radio) Satellite. These names reflect its technical role within the broader SELENE mission architecture.

### Q: How was Ouna launched into space?
A: Ouna was launched on September 14, 2007, from the Tanegashima launch site in Japan. It was carried by an H-IIA, which is a Japanese expendable medium-lift launch vehicle.

## Why It Matters
Ouna represents a significant component of Japan's SELENE mission, contributing to the country's efforts in deep space exploration. By functioning as a VLBI (Very Long Baseline Interferometry) radio satellite, it provided critical data for lunar research and scientific observation. Its launch via the H-IIA vehicle demonstrates Japan's capability in deploying complex, multi-component robotic missions to explore celestial bodies beyond Earth's orbit. 

As an unmanned robotic spacecraft, Ouna allowed for sophisticated scientific data collection without the risks or requirements of human life support, furthering the understanding of the lunar environment and outer space. The probe's various designations, such as Vstar and VSAT, highlight its specific technical role within the broader SELENE project. By operating as a dedicated radio satellite, Ouna facilitated precise measurements necessary for the mission's scientific objectives. Its successful deployment and operation underscore the technical precision of the Japanese space program and the H-IIA launch system in executing sophisticated orbital maneuvers and multi-satellite deployments for the purpose of advancing human knowledge of the solar system.

## Notable For
- **Mission Role:** Served as the dedicated VLBI Radio (VRAD) satellite for the SELENE mission.
- **Technical Aliases:** Frequently referred to in scientific contexts as Vstar or VSAT.
- **Launch Platform:** Deployed using the H-IIA, Japan's primary medium-lift expendable launch vehicle.
- **Exploration Class:** Classified as a space probe, distinguishing it from spacecraft that only orbit the Earth.

## Body

### Mission Context
Ouna is a Japanese space probe that operated as a vital sub-satellite of the SELENE mission, which is also known as Kaguya. Launched on September 14, 2007, the probe was part of a coordinated effort by Japan to conduct a detailed study of the Moon and its environment.

### Technical Identification
The probe is documented under several international identification systems:
*   **COSPAR/NSSDCA ID:** 2007-039C
*   **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 32056
*   **NAIF ID:** -502
*   **Encyclopædia Britannica ID:** topic/Ouna

### Launch and Deployment
The spacecraft was launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan. The mission utilized the H-IIA launch vehicle, an expendable medium-lift rocket. This launch system was responsible for placing Ouna and the other components of the SELENE mission into their required trajectories for lunar exploration.

### Scientific Nomenclature
Ouna is frequently identified by its functional titles in academic and technical literature. These include:
*   **SELENE VLBI Radio Satellite:** Highlighting its use of Very Long Baseline Interferometry.
*   **SELENE VRAD Satellite:** A shortened version of its radio-specific designation.
*   **Vstar / VSAT:** Common technical aliases used during the mission's operational phase.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://naif.jpl.nasa.gov/pub/naif/toolkit_docs/C/req/naif_ids.html)