The Day Earth Became a Pale Blue Dot
Thirty-five years ago, Voyager 1 captured a revolutionary series of images from the edge of our solar system, forever changing how humanity sees its place in the cosmos
KIKU-6 (ETS-VI) (23230)
COSPAR: 1994-056A | Alt Name: Kiku-6
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 28, 1994
Launch Site
TANSC
Launch Pad
Y
Launch Vehicle
H-II
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
23230
International Designator
1994-056A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:43:41 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
12.49°
Right Ascension
239.18°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
185.12°
Period
861.81 min
Mean Motion
1.67 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
KIKU-6 (ETS-VI)
Alternative Name
Kiku-6
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
NASDA
Country
Japan
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 23230U 94056A 26185.19700462 -.00000052 00000-0 00000-0 0 9993
2 23230 12.4904 239.1810 5060638 185.1215 132.6590 1.67089833194529
Source: Celestrak
Summary
KIKU-6 (ETS-VI), also known as ETS-6, is a communication technology satellite operated by NASDA. It was launched on August 28, 1994, from Tanegashima Space Center using the H-II launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 7.9 meters in length with a diameter of 2 meters and spans 30.5 meters when its components are deployed. KIKU-6 has a dry mass of 1950 kg and weighed 3800 kg at launch. It is equipped with two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power generation, and it uses two ion thrusters as propulsion motors. The satellite's structure consists of a box shape with two dish antennas and two panel-like components. Its primary purpose was to advance communication technology in space. KIKU-6 has an expected lifetime of 10 years and was manufactured by TOSH (Toshiba Corporation).
Physical Characteristics
Length
7.9
Diameter
2
Span
30.5
Dry Mass
1950
Launch Mass
3800
Shape
Box + 2 Dish + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
38.6374
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
ETS-6
Purpose
Communication Technology
Mission
Communication Technology
Manufacturer
TOSH
Life Expectancy
10 years
Bus
ETS-6
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
2 ion thrusters
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Force Gets $26B in Defense Bill, Golden Dome Initiative Funded | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force allocated $26B in 2026 defense appropriations backing Golden Dome initiative. FY26 defense bill adds $8B but sidelines $28B munitions request. First Qatari-Emirati joint defense venture formed.
US Agency Will Not Reinstate $900 Mln Subsidy for SpaceX Starlink Unit
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission reaffirms its decision to deny SpaceX's Starlink unit $885.5 million in rural broadband subsidies, impacting the company's plans for expanding internet access.
Space Brief 1 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers an increase in Chinese satellite launches, the operational status of the Space Force's ATLAS software, and a significant fundraising event in the defense sector.
Space Force Picks Boeing 702MP for MUOS Follow-On | KeepTrack Space Brief
U.S. Space Force selects Boeing's 702MP spacecraft for next-generation MUOS satellites. Rocket Lab delivers Synspective's 10th StriX radar satellite. Track both missions.
Falcon Heavy Returns After 18-Month Hiatus for ViaSat-3 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon Heavy lifts off for the 12th time after 18 months grounded, delivering the final ViaSat-3 satellite from LC-39A at 10:21 a.m. EDT.
X Report 27 Dec 2024
SpaceX rounds off a record-setting year with over 130 launches, achieving new milestones in Starship development and Starlink expansion.
Space Brief 8 Apr 2025
Key highlights include the launch of a Navy SEAL astronaut to the ISS, multi-billion dollar contracts awarded by the US Space Force, advancements in secure GPS technology, and a strategic ISR arrangement.