IKAROS (36577)

COSPAR: 2010-020E | Alt Name: Ikaros
DECAYED

Image
IKAROS Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 20, 2010

Launch Site

TANSC

Launch Pad

Y

Launch Vehicle

H-IIA 202

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

36577

International Designator

2010-020E

Decay Date

Unknown

Basic Satellite Info

Name

IKAROS

Alternative Name

Ikaros

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

JAXA

Country

Japan

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
IKAROS is a solar sail technology demonstration satellite launched by JAXA on May 20, 2010, from Tanegashima Space Center using the H-IIA 202 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 1 meter in length and 1.6 meters in diameter with a span of 20 meters due to its solar sail configuration. IKAROS has a dry mass of 315 kilograms, which is also its launch mass. It was equipped with cameras for capturing images and used solar cells along with batteries for power supply. The mission purpose was to test the feasibility of solar sailing as an alternative method of space propulsion technology. The satellite's design includes both cylindrical and sail elements, making it a unique contribution to the study of spacecraft propulsion techniques in outer space.
Physical Characteristics

Length

1

Diameter

1.6

Span

20

Dry Mass

315

Launch Mass

315

Shape

Cyl + Sail

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Ikaros

Purpose

Technology

Mission

Technology

Manufacturer

JAXA

Life Expectancy

?

Bus

Ikaros

Configuration

Solar sail

Motor

None

Equipment

Camera

Power System

Solar cells, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

White House Orders Space Nuclear Power by 2028 | KeepTrack Space Brief

White House Orders Space Nuclear Power by 2028 | KeepTrack Space Brief

White House directs NASA and Pentagon to field space nuclear power systems by 2028, with DoD demonstration required by 2031. Game-changer for military satellite power budgets.

Space Brief 14 Aug 2025

Space Brief 14 Aug 2025

Today's brief covers the Vulcan Centaur's first mission, military space automation insights, and the retirement reflections of a Space Force leader.

X Report 25 Mar 2025

X Report 25 Mar 2025

SpaceX achieves new milestones with back-to-back launches for the NRO while preparing for groundbreaking crewed polar mission FRAM2.

Space Brief 24 Sep 2025

Space Brief 24 Sep 2025

Key highlights on China's reusable rocket developments, U.S. military's Tranche 1 satellite launch, Space Force's weapons acquisition strategies, and more.

SpaceX Plans Seven Rocket Launches From Six Global Sites This Week | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Plans Seven Rocket Launches From Six Global Sites This Week | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX targets seven rocket launches from six global sites this week including two Falcon 9 missions from California. 29 Starlink satellites successfully deployed from Cape Canaveral on January 18.

X Report 2 May 2025

X Report 2 May 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 28 more Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral, marking another milestone in its satellite constellation expansion.

SpaceX Launches NROL-105 Spy Satellite in First 2026 National Security Mission | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Launches NROL-105 Spy Satellite in First 2026 National Security Mission | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX launches NROL-105 spy satellite from Vandenberg — first national security mission of 2026. Crew-11 astronauts arrive in Houston after historic first-ever ISS medical evacuation.

Space Brief 28 Aug 2025

Space Brief 28 Aug 2025

Today's briefing covers collaborations enhancing defense capabilities, new satellite technologies entering the market, and strategic shifts in military satellite applications.