The SS-520 is a two-stage Japanese sounding rocket. Configured with an experimental 3rd stage it became the smallest rocket to ever put something in orbit on February 3rd 2018.
Basic info:
- Overall length: 9.65 m
- Body diameter: 520 mm
- Gross Vehicle Liftoff Mass (nominal): 2.6 t
- Altitude (nominal): 1000 km
- Payload (as sounding rocket): 140 kg
In 2016 a project was undertake to modify the vehicle into an orbital "micro-launcher". The second stage casing was redesigned to be made of reinforced carbon fiber, a guidance package was added, and a small third stage solid motor was added. The 3rd stage and satellite both fit entirely in the payload area in the nosecone.
| Launch Date | Altitude | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| February 5th, 1998 17:30 | 750 km | Flown as a sounding rocket. Success |
| December 12th, 2000 8:16 | 1000 km | Flown as a sounding rocket. Success |
| January 1st, 2017 8:33 am JST | xx | First attempt to orbit. Failed to ignite second stage |
| February 3rd, 2018 2:03 pm JST | 188 km / 2010 km orbit | Successful orbital flight! Puts たすき in orbit |