Sakigake facts for kids
Sakigake (さきがけ) was a special Japanese space probe. It was sent on a mission to explore space between planets. This project was a big effort by the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, which is part of the University of Tokyo.
Sakigake was launched into space on January 7, 1985. It was one of the first deep-space missions ever attempted by Japan. The probe's main goal was to study the solar wind and other space conditions. It also tested new technologies for future space missions.
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What Was Sakigake's Mission?
Sakigake's main mission was to fly past Halley's Comet. This famous comet visits Earth's neighborhood about every 75 years. Scientists wanted to learn more about comets. Sakigake helped prepare for another Japanese probe, called Suisei, which also studied Halley's Comet.
Studying Halley's Comet
Halley's Comet is a large ball of ice and dust. It travels around the Sun. When it gets close to the Sun, the ice turns into gas, creating a bright tail. Sakigake flew by the comet to gather important information. It helped scientists understand what comets are made of and how they behave.
Testing New Space Technology
Besides studying the comet, Sakigake had another important job. It tested new ways to guide a spacecraft through deep space. It also checked how well new equipment worked far from Earth. This information was very helpful for designing future Japanese space missions.
When Was Sakigake Launched?
Sakigake was launched on January 7, 1985. It was sent into space from the Kagoshima Space Center in Japan. The launch was a big moment for Japanese space exploration. It showed that Japan could send probes far into the solar system.
Who Built Sakigake?
The Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) built Sakigake. ISAS is a part of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) today. At the time, ISAS was part of the University of Tokyo. They are responsible for many of Japan's scientific space missions.
Where Did Sakigake Go?
Sakigake traveled millions of kilometers through space. It flew past Halley's Comet in March 1986. After its comet encounter, Sakigake continued to orbit the Sun. It kept sending back data about the space environment for several years.
Images for kids
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Sakigake, a Japanese space probe
See also
External links
- Sakigake (MS-T5) mission profile from JAXA
- Sakigake from NASA
