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KIKU-8 (ETS-VIII) (29656)
COSPAR: 2006-059A | Alt Name: Kiku-8
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 18, 2006
Launch Site
TANSC
Launch Pad
Y
Launch Vehicle
H-IIA 204
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
29656
International Designator
2006-059A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:07:16 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
11.59°
Right Ascension
39.13°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
85.61°
Period
1454.42 min
Mean Motion
0.99 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
KIKU-8 (ETS-VIII)
Alternative Name
Kiku-8
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
JAXA
Country
Japan
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 29656U 06059A 26184.96338111 -.00000262 00000-0 00000-0 0 9992
2 29656 11.5908 39.1264 0001693 85.6139 276.8675 0.99008241 71204
Source: Celestrak
Summary
KIKU-8 (ETS-VIII), also known as Kiku-8, is a communication technology satellite launched by JAXA on December 18, 2006, from the Tanegashima Space Center using an H-IIA 204 launch vehicle. It operates on an ETS-8 bus and features S-band transponders for communication purposes. The spacecraft has dimensions of 7.3 meters in length, a diameter of 2.5 meters, and a span of 40 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. At launch, it had a mass of 5800 kg and a dry mass of 2500 kg. Its power comes from two deployable solar arrays and batteries. The satellite is designed to support communication technology for a decade. It was manufactured by MELCO/NECTKA and is equipped with an R-4D-11-300 motor, has a shape characterized as "Box + 2 Pan + 2 Dish," and a radar cross-section of 11 square meters.
Physical Characteristics
Length
7.3
Diameter
2.5
Span
40
Dry Mass
2500
Launch Mass
5800
Shape
Box + 2 Pan + 2 Dish
Radar Cross Section
11
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
ETS-8
Purpose
Communication Technology
Mission
Communication Technology
Manufacturer
MELCO/NECTKA
Life Expectancy
10 years
Bus
DS-2000
Configuration
ETS-8 bus
Motor
R-4D-11-300
Equipment
S-band transponders
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
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