Launch VehiclesM-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.

M-V M-3S

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
1993.2.20 X-ray Astronomy ASCA
1991.8.30 Solar Observation YOHKOH
1990.1.24 Lunar Swing-by HITEN
1989.2.22 Aurora Observation AKEBONO
1987.2.5 X-ray Astronomy GINGA
1985.8.19 Halley’s Comet Explorer SUISEI
1985.1.8 Halley’s Comet Test Explorer SAKIGAKE