# Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite II

> Japanese tethered nano-satellite which reentered in 2014

**Wikidata**: [Q16323051](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16323051)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STARS-II)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/space-tethered-autonomous-robotic-satellite-ii

## Summary
Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite II (STARS-II) was a Japanese tethered nanosatellite launched in 2014 to demonstrate experimental space technologies. It reentered Earth's atmosphere later that year after completing its mission.

## Key Facts
- Launched on **February 27, 2014**, aboard an **H-IIA-23 rocket** from Yoshinobu Launch Complex.
- Mass: **9 kg**, classified as a **nanosatellite** (under 10 kg).
- Operated by **Kagawa University**, Japan, which also manufactured it.
- Featured a **tethered design**, connecting two satellite parts via a cable.
- Reentered Earth's atmosphere on **April 26, 2014**, ending its mission.
- COSPAR ID: **2014-009H**, NSSDCA ID: **2014-009H**.
- Also known as **STARS-2** or **Gennai**.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of STARS-II?
A: STARS-II was a **technology demonstration spacecraft** designed to test tethered satellite systems in low Earth orbit.

### Q: Who built and operated STARS-II?
A: It was **manufactured and operated by Kagawa University** in Japan.

### Q: How long was STARS-II in orbit?
A: It operated for **less than two months**, launching on **February 27, 2014**, and reentering on **April 26, 2014**.

### Q: What type of satellite was STARS-II?
A: It was a **tethered nanosatellite**, meaning it consisted of two connected parts and weighed under 10 kg.

### Q: What rocket launched STARS-II?
A: It was launched on an **H-IIA-23 rocket**, a Japanese medium-lift launch vehicle.

## Why It Matters
STARS-II contributed to advancements in **tethered satellite technology**, a field with potential applications in space debris mitigation, orbital maneuvers, and power generation. As a **nanosatellite**, it demonstrated how small, cost-effective spacecraft can test innovative concepts in orbit. Its short but successful mission provided valuable data for future tethered satellite projects, reinforcing Japan’s role in experimental space technology. While its operational lifespan was brief, STARS-II helped validate the feasibility of deploying and controlling tethered systems in low Earth orbit, paving the way for more ambitious missions.

## Notable For
- Being one of the first **tethered nanosatellites** launched by a Japanese university.
- Demonstrating **experimental tether technology** in space.
- Its rapid development and deployment by **Kagawa University**, showcasing academic contributions to space research.
- Short but successful mission, proving the viability of **low-cost, small-scale satellite experiments**.

## Body
### Overview
STARS-II (Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite II) was a **Japanese nanosatellite** designed to test tethered satellite technology. It was part of a series of experimental spacecraft developed by **Kagawa University** to explore innovative space systems.

### Launch and Orbit
- **Launch Date:** February 27, 2014, at **18:37 UTC**.
- **Launch Vehicle:** H-IIA-23 rocket from **Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 1**.
- **Orbit:** Low Earth orbit (LEO).
- **Reentry Date:** April 26, 2014, at **06:32 UTC**.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass:** 9 kg.
- **Classification:** Nanosatellite, tethered satellite, technology demonstration spacecraft.
- **COSPAR ID:** 2014-009H.
- **NSSDCA ID:** 2014-009H.

### Mission and Objectives
STARS-II aimed to:
- Test the deployment and control of a **tethered satellite system** in space.
- Demonstrate the feasibility of using small satellites for experimental space technology.
- Provide data for future tethered satellite missions.

### Operators and Manufacturers
- **Operator:** Kagawa University (Japan).
- **Manufacturer:** Kagawa University.

### Legacy
Though its mission was brief, STARS-II contributed to the growing field of **tethered satellite research**, which has implications for space debris removal, orbital dynamics, and in-space propulsion.

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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/stars-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=39579)
4. [Source](http://stars.eng.shizuoka.ac.jp/stars2.html)