# Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite - Elevator CubeSat

> Japanese tethered nano-satellite which reentered in 2022

**Wikidata**: [Q105962580](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105962580)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STARS-EC)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/space-tethered-autonomous-robotic-satellite-elevator-cubesat

## Summary
Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite - Elevator CubeSat, also known by its aliases STARS-EC or Sanko, was a Japanese tethered nanosatellite and technology demonstration spacecraft. Developed and manufactured by Shizuoka University, it was launched in 2021 and reentered Earth's atmosphere in 2022. This satellite was designed to demonstrate experimental technologies related to tethered systems in space.

## Key Facts
*   Operated by Shizuoka University, a higher education institution in Japan.
*   Manufactured by Shizuoka University.
*   Launched on February 20, 2021, at 17:36:49 UTC.
*   Reentered Earth's atmosphere on April 15, 2022.
*   Classified as a tethered satellite, technology demonstration spacecraft, nanosatellite, and CubeSat.
*   Had a mass of 3.8 kilograms.
*   Comprised 3 CubeSat units in volume.
*   Launched aboard an Antares rocket from Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0A.
*   Deployed from the International Space Station on March 14, 2021.
*   Country of origin: Japan.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite - Elevator CubeSat?
A: It is a Japanese tethered nanosatellite and technology demonstration spacecraft, also known by its aliases STARS-EC or Sanko. It was developed by Shizuoka University and reentered Earth's atmosphere in 2022.

### Q: Who operated and manufactured the satellite?
A: The Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite - Elevator CubeSat was operated and manufactured by Shizuoka University, a higher education institution in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.

### Q: When was the Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite - Elevator CubeSat launched and when did it reenter?
A: It was launched on February 20, 2021, at 17:36:49 UTC, from Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0A. The satellite reentered Earth's atmosphere on April 15, 2022.

### Q: What type of satellite is it?
A: It is classified as a tethered satellite, a technology demonstration spacecraft, a nanosatellite, and a CubeSat. Specifically, it had a volume of 3 CubeSat units.

### Q: What was the purpose of the Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite - Elevator CubeSat?
A: As a technology demonstration spacecraft, its purpose was to demonstrate experimental technologies, particularly those related to tethered satellite systems.

## Why It Matters
The Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite - Elevator CubeSat, or STARS-EC, holds significance as a technology demonstration spacecraft. Its primary purpose was to demonstrate experimental technologies, particularly as a tethered satellite. This classification indicates its role in advancing the understanding and application of space tethers, which involve two parts connected by a cable. As a nanosatellite and a CubeSat, it also contributed to the development and utilization of miniaturized satellite technology, which offers cost-effective access to space for research and development.

Developed and operated by Shizuoka University, a Japanese higher education institution, STARS-EC exemplifies academic contributions to space exploration and engineering innovation. Its mission, from launch in 2021 to atmospheric reentry in 2022, provided valuable data for future space tether concepts and small satellite designs. The project showcased Japan's involvement in cutting-edge space technology demonstrations, particularly in the field of autonomous robotic systems within a tethered configuration.

## Notable For
*   Being a Japanese tethered nanosatellite designed for technology demonstration.
*   Its specific classification as an "Elevator CubeSat," indicating its experimental tethered system.
*   Its development and operation by Shizuoka University, a higher education institution.
*   Its compact size, with a mass of 3.8 kilograms and a volume of 3 CubeSat units.
*   Its deployment from the International Space Station as part of its mission profile.

## Body

### Overview
The Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite - Elevator CubeSat, commonly known as STARS-EC or Sanko, was a Japanese technology demonstration spacecraft. It functioned as a tethered nanosatellite and was developed by Shizuoka University. The satellite was launched in 2021 and completed its mission, reentering Earth's atmosphere in 2022.

### Design and Specifications
*   **Aliases**: STARS-EC, Sanko, STARS Elevator CubeSat, Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite - Elevator of CubeSat, STARS Elevator of CubeSat
*   **Mass**: 3.8 kilograms
*   **Volume**: 3 CubeSat units
*   **COSPAR ID**: 1998-067SE
*   **SCN**: 47928
*   **NASA ISS Experiment ID**: 8514

### Development and Operation
*   **Manufacturer**: Shizuoka University
*   **Operator**: Shizuoka University
*   **Country of Origin**: Japan

### Classification
STARS-EC is classified as:
*   A tethered satellite
*   A technology demonstration spacecraft
*   A nanosatellite
*   A CubeSat
*   A former entity

### Mission Timeline
*   **Launch Date**: February 20, 2021, at 17:36:49 UTC
*   **Deployment**: March 14, 2021, from the International Space Station
*   **Atmospheric Entry / Object Orbit Decay**: April 15, 2022

### Launch Details
*   **Launch Vehicle**: Antares
*   **Launch Site**: Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0A

### Orbital Information
*   **Orbit Type**: Low Earth orbit

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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite - Elevator CubeSat",
  "description": "Japanese tethered nano-satellite which reentered in 2022",
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/stars-ec.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=47928)
4. [Source](http://stars.eng.shizuoka.ac.jp/starsec.html)