# Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite - Cube

> Japanese tethered nano-satellite which reentered in 2018

**Wikidata**: [Q111471329](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111471329)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/space-tethered-autonomous-robotic-satellite-cube

## Summary
The Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite - Cube (STARS-C) was a Japanese tethered nanosatellite developed by Shizuoka University. Launched in 2016, it reentered Earth's atmosphere in 2018 after demonstrating experimental technologies in low Earth orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Classifications**: Tethered satellite, technology demonstration spacecraft, CubeSat, nanosatellite
- **Mass**: 2.66 kilograms
- **Aliases**: STARS-C, STARS-3, STARS-III, Hagoromo, Oyaki, Koki
- **Country of origin**: Japan
- **Operator/Manufacturer**: Shizuoka University
- **Launch date**: December 9, 2016, at 13:26:47 UTC
- **Launch vehicle**: H-IIB (H-IIB-F6)
- **Launch site**: Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 2
- **Deployment**: Deployed from the International Space Station on December 19, 2016
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit
- **Reentry**: Atmospheric entry on March 3, 2018
- **Volume**: 2 CubeSat units (10 cm-sided cubic modules)
- **COSPAR ID**: 1998-067KR

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite - Cube?
A: STARS-C was a technology demonstration spacecraft designed to test tethered satellite systems in low Earth orbit. It reentered the atmosphere in 2018 after completing its mission.

### Q: Who developed the Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite - Cube?
A: The satellite was developed by Shizuoka University, a higher education institution in Japan, which also operated and manufactured it.

### Q: How did the Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite - Cube reenter Earth's atmosphere?
A: The satellite experienced atmospheric entry on March 3, 2018, marking the end of its operational life.

### Q: What type of satellite was the Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite - Cube?
A: It was a tethered nanosatellite classified as a CubeSat, with a mass of 2.66 kilograms and a volume of 2 CubeSat units.

### Q: Where was the Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite - Cube launched from?
A: The satellite was launched from Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 2 using the H-IIB launch vehicle on December 9, 2016.

## Why It Matters
The Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite - Cube (STARS-C) was significant as a pioneering project in Japan's space technology development. As a tethered nanosatellite, it demonstrated the feasibility of using cables to connect spacecraft, which could be useful for future missions involving satellite formations or debris removal. Developed by Shizuoka University, the project contributed to Japan's growing expertise in small satellite technology and autonomous robotic systems. Despite its relatively short operational period, STARS-C provided valuable data on tethered satellite dynamics in low Earth orbit, advancing the field of space engineering. Its reentry in 2018 marked the end of its mission, but its legacy continues to influence ongoing research in satellite technology.

## Notable For
- **First Japanese tethered nanosatellite**: STARS-C was one of the first tethered satellites developed by Japan, demonstrating the country's growing capabilities in space technology.
- **Technology demonstration**: It served as a platform to test experimental technologies in orbit, contributing to advancements in satellite systems.
- **CubeSat design**: As a CubeSat, it utilized a standardized 10 cm-sided cubic module, making it a cost-effective and efficient design for small satellite missions.
- **Autonomous operation**: The satellite was designed to operate autonomously, showcasing Japan's progress in autonomous robotic systems for space applications.
- **Short operational life**: Despite its reentry in 2018, STARS-C provided valuable data on tethered satellite behavior in low Earth orbit, influencing future missions.

## Body
### Overview
The Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite - Cube (STARS-C) was a Japanese nanosatellite developed by Shizuoka University. It was launched on December 9, 2016, aboard an H-IIB rocket and deployed from the International Space Station on December 19, 2016. The satellite reentered Earth's atmosphere on March 3, 2018, concluding its mission.

### Design and Specifications
- **Mass**: 2.66 kilograms
- **Volume**: 2 CubeSat units (10 cm-sided cubic modules)
- **Tether system**: The satellite was equipped with a tether to demonstrate its functionality in space.
- **Autonomous operation**: Designed to operate independently, showcasing Japan's advancements in autonomous robotic systems.

### Mission and Technology
- **Primary mission**: Technology demonstration, focusing on tethered satellite systems.
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit, allowing for testing of tether dynamics in microgravity.
- **Significant event**: Atmospheric entry on March 3, 2018, marking the end of its operational life.

### Development and Launch
- **Developer**: Shizuoka University, a higher education institution in Japan.
- **Launch vehicle**: H-IIB (H-IIB-F6)
- **Launch site**: Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 2
- **Deployment**: From the International Space Station on December 19, 2016.

### Legacy and Impact
- **Contribution to space technology**: STARS-C provided valuable data on tethered satellite behavior, influencing future missions.
- **Advancement in Japan's space program**: The project demonstrated Japan's growing expertise in small satellite technology and autonomous systems.
- **Short operational period**: Despite its brief mission, it contributed to advancements in satellite engineering and space exploration.

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  "description": "Japanese tethered nanosatellite developed by Shizuoka University that reentered in 2018.",
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/stars-c.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=41895)
4. [Source](http://stars.eng.shizuoka.ac.jp/starsc.html)