IGS R-8 (61439)

COSPAR: 2024-176A | Alt Name: IGS Radar-8
DECAYED

Image
IGS R-8 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

September 26, 2024

Launch Site

Tanegashima Space Center

Launch Pad

Yoshinobu Launch Complex

Launch Vehicle

H-IIA 202

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

61439

International Designator

2024-176A

Decay Date

Unknown

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Basic Satellite Info

Name

IGS R-8

Alternative Name

IGS Radar-8

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

Cabinet Satellite Intelligence Center (CSICE)

Country

Japan

Constellation

Information Gathering Satellite (IGS) series

Related Satellites

Major Events

Launched on September 26, 2024; entered operational service shortly after launch.

Summary
IGS R-8 is a reconnaissance satellite (OBJECT_ID: 2024-176A) launched on September 26, 2024, from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan using the H-IIA 202 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 3 meters in length and 4 meters in diameter with a span of 16.5 meters due to its deployable solar panels. It weighs approximately 1500 kg at launch, reducing to a dry mass of 1000 kg. IGS R-8 is part of Japan's Information Gathering Satellite program managed by the Cabinet Satellite Intelligence Center (CSICE) and manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO). Equipped with an advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) system for high-resolution Earth observation, it operates in radar bands and provides sub-meter resolution imaging. The satellite is powered by solar arrays and employs a three-axis stabilization system to ensure precision pointing capabilities, enabling it to conduct reconnaissance and environmental monitoring missions over its five-year designed mission duration.
Physical Characteristics

Length

3

Diameter

4

Span

16.5

Dry Mass

1000

Launch Mass

1500

Shape

Box-shaped main body with two deployable solar panels.

Radar Cross Section

Not specified

Visual Magnitude

Not specified

Color

Standard spacecraft materials with thermal insulation.

Material Composition

Constructed using lightweight aerospace materials, including aluminum and composite structures.

Technical Details

Payload

Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) system capable of sub-meter resolution imaging.

Purpose

Reconnaissance and environmental monitoring using radar imaging.

Mission

IGS R-8 is part of Japan's Information Gathering Satellite program, aimed at providing high-resolution radar imagery for intelligence gathering and environmental monitoring.

Manufacturer

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO)

Life Expectancy

Designed for a mission duration of approximately 5 years.

Bus

IGS-R

Configuration

Reconnaissance Satellite

Motor

Not applicable

Equipment

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for high-resolution Earth observation.

Power System

Powered by solar arrays generating sufficient energy to operate the SAR and support systems.

ADCS

Three-axis stabilized with precision pointing capabilities.

Transmitter Frequency

Specific frequencies classified; operates in radar bands.

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