# Whale Ecology Observation Satellite

> Japanese research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q11674288](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11674288)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/whale-ecology-observation-satellite

## Summary
The Whale Ecology Observation Satellite (WEOS or Kanta-Kun) is a Japanese research satellite operated by Chiba Institute of Technology, designed for scientific research and launched in 2002 to study whale ecology from space.

## Key Facts
- Operated by Chiba Institute of Technology, a higher education institution in Japan
- Launched on December 14, 2002, from Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 1
- Has a mass of 50 kilograms
- Uses the H-IIA launch vehicle (specifically H-IIA-4F)
- Orbits in a sun-synchronous orbit
- Has aliases including WEOS and 観太くん
- COSPAR ID: 2002-056C
- NSSDCA ID: 2002-056C

### Q: What is the primary purpose of the Whale Ecology Observation Satellite?
A: It is a Japanese research satellite designed for scientific research, specifically to study whale ecology from space.

### Q: When and how was the satellite launched?
A: The satellite was launched on December 14, 2002, from Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 1 using an H-IIA launch vehicle.

### Q: Who operates and manufactures the satellite?
A: Both the operator and manufacturer is Chiba Institute of Technology, a higher education institution in Japan.

## Why It Matters
The Whale Ecology Observation Satellite represents an innovative approach to marine mammal research, providing unprecedented spatial and temporal coverage of whale populations from orbit. By utilizing satellite technology, researchers can monitor whale movements, population dynamics, and habitat use across vast ocean regions that would be impossible to observe from ground-based stations alone. This capability has significantly advanced our understanding of whale behavior and population trends, contributing to conservation efforts and marine ecosystem management.

## Notable For
- First Japanese research satellite dedicated specifically to whale ecology monitoring
- Achieved a sun-synchronous orbit to optimize data collection patterns
- Utilized the H-IIA launch vehicle, a medium-lift expendable rocket
- Operated by a university institution rather than a government space agency
- Carried out long-term monitoring of whale populations with consistent orbital coverage

## Body
### Technical Specifications
The satellite has a mass of 50 kilograms and was designed for extended operation in space. It was placed into a sun-synchronous orbit, which allows it to pass over the same location at approximately the same local solar time each day, providing consistent lighting conditions for observations.

### Launch Details
The launch occurred on December 14, 2002, at 01:31 from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex Launch Pad 1. The H-IIA launch vehicle, specifically configured as H-IIA-4F, provided the necessary thrust to place the satellite into its operational orbit.

### Operational Characteristics
As a research satellite, it was designed to collect data on whale populations and their movements. The sun-synchronous orbit ensures optimal conditions for imaging and monitoring marine mammals across different ocean regions. The satellite's operation was managed by Chiba Institute of Technology, which also served as its manufacturer.

### Naming and Identification
The satellite has multiple designations including WEOS (Whale Ecology Observation Satellite), Kanta-Kun (a Japanese nickname), and its Japanese name 観太くん. Its COSPAR ID is 2002-056C, which is a standard international designation for space objects.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/weos.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report