PastJIKIKEN

The Earth’s Magnetosphere Observation Satellite “JIKIKEN” aims to research on the region from the plasmasphere to the deep magnetosphere and participate in the International Magnetospheric Study (IMS) conducted from 1976 to 1979.

HAKUCHO KYOKKO
Name (pre-launch in parentheses) JIKIKEN (EXOS-B)
International Designation code 1978-087A
Objectives 1.Research on the region from the plasmasphere to the deep magnetosphere (region from 60,000 to 70,000 km from the earth)
2.Participation in the International Magnetospheric Study (IMS) conducted from 1976 to 1979.
Launch Date 14:00, September 16, 1978 (JST)
Launch Location Kagoshima Space Center (Uchinoura)
Launch Vehicle M-3H-3
Weight 90kg
Shape 60cm high, 75cm long from face to face
50m- and 30m-long antennas with sensors
Orbital Altitude Perigee 220 km, Apogee 30,100 km
Orbital Inclination 31°
Type of orbit Highly elliptical
Orbital Period 524 min
Scientific Instruments Particle energy monitor
Electron beam radiation experiment instrument
Data processing unit (DPU)
End of Operation 1985
Reentered Date From September 23, the antennas started to extend but full extension was prevented by problems such as the rise in temperature of the control circuit. Antenna deployment was stopped when the two pairs of antennas reached the same length.
Operation One month after launch, all the instruments became operable and full scientific observations started. The satellite retrieved data on the mechanism of auroral kilometer radio wave and the formation of plasma pose. JIKIKEN was used to develop a picture of wave-particle interaction in the magnetosphere. Communications and data exchange were also carried out with foreign scientific satellites such as GEOS. In addition, the satellite succeeded in receiving low-frequency signals transmitted from the Antarctic, thus contributing to research on the interaction between plasma and wave in the magnetosphere.