OICETS

OICETS, the Optical Inter-Orbit Communications Engineering Test Satellite (other name Kirari) is an experimental satellite launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency to demonstrate interorbital communication between satellites through optical (laser) means. OICETS was originally slated for a launch on the second J-I launcher. Due to problems with this launcher, the launch had to be put on hold. Using the H-2A was out of question: it would be overkill to use this model to send a 570 kilograms (1,260 lb) satellite into low Earth orbit (LEO), and there was no budget for another H-2A launch. Finally, in order to be able to perform the tests during the lifetime of the European Artemis satellite, OICETS was successfully launched on a Dnepr launcher.

The satellite's operation was finished by September 24, 2009.

Achievements