STARS-EC

STARS-EC (Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite Elevator of CubeSat, COSPAR 1998-067SE, SATCAT 47928) was a nanosatellite developed by Shizuoka University, for the purpose of demonstrating space elevator tether technology. It was a 3U-size CubeSat, and could split into three separate satellites, connected via tethers. STARS-EC was launched on 20 February 2021, and was deployed from the International Space Station (ISS).[1] The deployment service of STARS-EC was provided by Mitsui Bussan Aerospace.[2]

The satellite decayed from orbit on 15 April 2022.[3]

  1. ^ "STARS Space Serviceによる静岡大学超小型衛星「STARS-EC」を搭載したロケットが2月21日打上成功" (Press release) (in Japanese). Mitsui Bussan Aerospace. February 26, 2021. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  2. ^ Wanezaki, Yuriko (February 18, 2021). "静岡大発ベンチャーが開発した超小型衛星がISSに向け2月21日に打ち上げへ". Mynavi news (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  3. ^ "STARS EC". N2YO.com. 15 April 2022. Retrieved 27 April 2022.