PastASCA

“ASCA” precise X-ray observation of various bodies in the universe and X-ray exploration of the deepest region of the universe such as galaxy clusters.

EXPRESS GEOTAIL
Name (pre-launch in parentheses) ASCA (ASTRO-D)
International Designation code 1993-011A
Objectives Precise X-ray observation of various bodies in the universe and X-ray exploration of the deepest region of the universe such as galaxy clusters
Launch Date February 20, 1993
Launch Location Kagoshima Space Center (Uchinoura)
Launch Vehicle M-3SII-7
Weight 420 kg
Dimensions 4.7m high cylinder
Two folding-type (three-fold) solar paddles
Orbit Altitude Perigee 525 km, Apogee 615 km
Orbit Inclination 31°
Type of orbit Near circular
Period 96 min.
Scientific Instruments 1.X-ray Telescope (XRT)
2.X-ray CCD camera (SIS, Solid-State Imaging Spectrometer)
3.Gas-Imaging Spectrometer (GIS)
End of Operation March 2, 2001
Reentered Date March 2, 2001
Operation After launch, the Extendable Optical Bench (EOB), equivalent to the telescope's lens tube, was successfully extended. Observation then began and continued smoothly. In July 2000, however, the earth atmosphere expanded due to solar activity at that time. The satellite experienced friction caused by the thin atmosphere and started spinning. Finally, ASCA was unable to continue observation. Satellite operation continued with minimal functions, until, at around 14:20 on March 2, 2001, it entered the atmosphere and vanished.
Results The successful results included the first imaging of X-ray objects by the scintillation proportional counter on March 17, 1993, and observation of X-rays from the supernova SN1993J recently discovered in the M81 galaxy.