X-RAY SATELLITES SATELLITES & SPACE PROBES A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z           HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site Hinotori A Japanese satellite, launched by ISAS (Institute of Space and Astronautical Science), principally to investigate X-rays from the Sun. It carried high-resolution soft (longer wavelength) X-ray spectrometers and hard (shorter wavelength) X-ray instruments that obtained the first images of solar flares at energies above 25 keV, and also observed celestial X-ray bursts. Hinotori, which means “phoenix,” was known before launch as Astro-A (see also Astro- series). Launch date Feb. 21, 1981 Launch vehicle M-3S Launch site Kagoshima Orbit 576 × 644 × 31° Mass 188 kg Related entry    • X-ray satellites Related categories    • JAPANESE SPACECRAFT    • SATELLITES AND SPACE PROBES    • JAPAN IN SPACE Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP