Launch Vehicles M-3SII
ISAS started to develop the fourth generation Mu launch system, M-3SII, in 1981. It used the first stage of M-3S, and the rest of the stages were replaced by new ones to enhance its payload capability.
Targeting Halley's comet which had been predicted to reappear in 1985 after 76 years, ISAS started to develop the fourth generation Mu launch system, M-3SII, in 1981. It used the first stage of M-3S, and the rest of the stages were replaced by new ones to enhance its payload capability. The M-3SII-1 and -2, with an optional fourth kick stage, sent the first and second Japanese interplanetary probes, SAKIGAKE and SUISEI, into orbit in 1985 to encounter Halley's comet. Seven M-3SII launches out of eight were successful. It could send a 770 kg satellite into low earth orbit.
Mission by M-3SII Launch Vehicle
| Launch Date | Mission |
|---|---|
| 1993年2月20日 | X-ray Astronomy ASCA |
| 1991年8月30日 | Solar Observation YOHKOH |
| 1990年1月24日 | Lunar Swing-by HITEN |
| 1989年2月22日 | Aurora Observation AKEBONO |
| 1987年2月5日 | X-ray Astronomy GINGA |
| 1985年8月19日 | Halley’s Comet Explorer SUISEI |
| 1985年1月8日 | Halley’s Comet Test Explorer SAKIGAKE |