# PROCYON

> Japanese flyby probe launched in December 2014

**Wikidata**: [Q18414956](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18414956)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PROCYON)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/procyon

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for PROCYON:

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## Summary  
PROCYON is a Japanese flyby probe launched in December 2014 to conduct a close flyby of a celestial object using optical navigation. Developed by the University of Tokyo, it was part of a secondary payload mission aboard an H-IIA rocket. The probe aimed to demonstrate miniature deep-space exploration technology.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date:** December 3, 2014, at 04:22:04 UTC  
- **Launch Vehicle:** H-IIA (Flight H-IIA-26)  
- **Launch Site:** Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 1, Japan  
- **Manufacturer:** University of Tokyo  
- **Mission Type:** Flyby probe (designed to pass near a celestial body without orbiting)  
- **COSPAR ID:** 2014-076D  
- **NSSDCA ID:** 2014-076D  
- **Full Name:** Proximate Object Close flyby with Optical Navigation  
- **Country of Origin:** Japan  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was PROCYON's primary mission?  
A: PROCYON was designed to perform a close flyby of a celestial object using optical navigation, testing miniature deep-space exploration technologies.  

### Q: What rocket launched PROCYON?  
A: It was launched aboard a Japanese H-IIA rocket (Flight H-IIA-26) alongside other payloads like Hayabusa2.  

### Q: Did PROCYON achieve its mission goals?  
A: The probe faced technical issues and did not complete its planned flyby, but it contributed to advancements in small-spacecraft technology.  

## Why It Matters  
PROCYON represented Japan's effort to pioneer cost-effective deep-space exploration using miniature spacecraft. Although it encountered operational challenges, its development provided valuable insights into compact propulsion, navigation, and communication systems for future missions. The mission also demonstrated the potential of secondary payloads on larger launches, paving the way for more collaborative and economical space exploration. Its legacy lies in advancing the feasibility of small probes for interplanetary research.  

## Notable For  
- **Miniature Deep-Space Probe:** One of the early attempts at a compact deep-space exploration vehicle.  
- **Secondary Payload:** Launched alongside Hayabusa2, showcasing multi-payload efficiency.  
- **Optical Navigation:** Aimed to test autonomous close-flyby techniques using optical sensors.  

## Body  
### Launch and Mission Profile  
- Launched on December 3, 2014, as part of the H-IIA-26 mission.  
- Shared payload with Hayabusa2, Shin'en 2, and DESPATCH.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Class:** Flyby probe (non-orbiting spacecraft).  
- **Manufacturer:** University of Tokyo.  
- **Launch Site:** Yoshinobu Launch Complex, Japan.  

### Challenges and Outcomes  
- Experienced propulsion system failures, preventing its planned asteroid flyby.  
- Despite setbacks, contributed to small-satellite technology development.  

### Legacy  
- Inspired later missions to adopt similar miniature probe designs.  
- Highlighted the challenges of deep-space operations for small spacecraft.  

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

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report