# Tansei 4
**Wikidata**: [Q11271451](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11271451)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tansei-4

## Summary
Tansei 4 is a Japanese technology demonstration spacecraft launched on February 17, 1980, to test experimental technologies in space. It was deployed aboard an M-3S carrier rocket from the Uchinoura Space Center, marking a key mission in Japan's space exploration efforts. The spacecraft is part of a series focused on advancing aerospace innovation through practical orbital experiments.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: February 17, 1980
- **Launch Vehicle**: M-3S Japanese carrier rocket
- **Launch Site**: Uchinoura Space Center, Japan
- **COSPAR ID**: 1980-015A
- **Aliases**: MS-T4, たんせい4
- **Spacecraft Class**: Technology demonstration spacecraft
- **Primary Mission**: Testing experimental technologies in space

## FAQs
### Q: When was Tansei 4 launched?
A: Tansei 4 was launched on February 17, 1980, from the Uchinoura Space Center in Japan.

### Q: What was the purpose of the Tansei 4 mission?
A: The mission aimed to demonstrate and test new space technologies, contributing to Japan's advancements in aerospace engineering.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Tansei 4?
A: The spacecraft was launched using the M-3S, a Japanese carrier rocket designed for small satellite deployments.

## Why It Matters
Tansei 4 played a critical role in Japan's early space program by serving as a platform for testing experimental technologies in orbit. As a technology demonstration spacecraft, it enabled engineers to validate new systems and instruments in real-world space conditions, reducing risks for future missions. This approach aligned with Japan's strategic focus on incremental innovation, laying groundwork for more complex projects like later satellites and interplanetary probes. By prioritizing practical experimentation, Tansei 4 helped bridge the gap between theoretical research and applied space technology, showcasing Japan's growing capabilities in the global space sector.

## Notable For
- **Technology Testing**: Demonstrated experimental systems in space, driving innovation in Japanese aerospace.
- **M-3S Rocket Deployment**: Utilized a domestically developed launch vehicle, highlighting Japan's self-reliance in space technology.
- **Uchinoura Launch Heritage**: Contributed to the legacy of the Uchinoura Space Center as a key site for Japanese rocket launches.
- **Series Continuity**: Part of the Tansei series, emphasizing iterative progress in spacecraft design and functionality.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date**: February 17, 1980
- **Location**: Uchinoura Space Center, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan
- **Rocket**: M-3S, a solid-fuel launch vehicle developed by the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS)

### Mission Objective
Tansei 4 was designed to test and validate experimental technologies in a space environment. While specific payloads are not detailed in the source material, its classification as a technology demonstration spacecraft indicates a focus on sensors, communication systems, or materials testing.

### Spacecraft Class
- **Category**: Technology demonstration spacecraft
- **Function**: Serve as a low-cost, flexible platform for deploying and operating experimental payloads in low Earth orbit

### Identifiers
- **COSPAR ID**: 1980-015A (international designation for satellite tracking)
- **Aliases**: MS-T4 (mission-specific designation), たんせい4 (Japanese script name)

### Historical Context
The mission occurred during a period of rapid growth in Japan's space program, which prioritized scientific research and technological self-sufficiency. The use of the Uchinoura Space Center reinforced its role as a primary launch site for ISAS missions, preceding later operations at the Tanegashima Space Center.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report