STARS-EC

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STARS-EC (Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite Elevator of CubeSat) is a nanosatellite developed by Shizuoka University, for the purpose of space elevator demonstration. It is a 3U-size CubeSat, and can split into three separate satellites, connected via tethers. STARS-EC was launched on 20 February 2021, and was deployed from the International Space Station (ISS).[1] The deployment service of STARS-EC was provided by Mitsui Bussan Aerospace.[2]

Mission[]

STARS-EC's mission is to demonstrate a space elevator using a 3U CubeSat. After deployment from the ISS, the satellite will split into three separate spacecraft, each the size of a 1U CubeSat.[3] The spacecraft on each end will be connected to the center satellite by a 11 m-long (36 ft) space tether, thus the satellites on the ends will be 22 m apart from one another.[2][4] The satellite in the center will move back and forth along the tether, testing an orbital space elevator. Each spacecraft is equipped with a camera to monitor the elevator demonstration.[3]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "STARS Space Serviceによる静岡大学超小型衛星「STARS-EC」を搭載したロケットが2月21日打上成功" (Press release) (in Japanese). Mitsui Bussan Aerospace. February 26, 2021. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  2. ^ a b Wanezaki, Yuriko (February 18, 2021). "静岡大発ベンチャーが開発した超小型衛星がISSに向け2月21日に打ち上げへ". Mynavi news (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  3. ^ a b "「宇宙エレベーター」実現向け挑戦　静大衛星５機目を発表". The Shizuoka Shimbun (in Japanese). September 26, 2019. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  4. ^ "宇宙エレベーター、実用化に向けた実験用衛星完成　静大". The Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). September 26, 2019. Retrieved 2021-03-01.

External links[]

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