JAXA´s technology demonstration mission SDS-4

In 2012, a 50-kg class satellite called the Small Demonstration Satellite -4(SDS-4) faced a challenging mission of demonstrating a space-based automatic identification system experiment (SPAISE), quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), a flat-shaped heat pipe (FHP) and thermal control material (THERME). We conduct the Small Demonstration Satellite (SDS) Program at JAXA, which provides useful standard platforms using a series of micro satellites to newly developed components and advanced space technology with periodic launch opportunities. The SDS-4 is the 2nd satellite in the SDS program and was launched as a piggyback payload of the H-IIA launch vehicle with GCOM-W1 (Global Change Observation Mission 1st - Water), KOMPSAT-3 (Korean Multi-Purpose Satellite-3) and another small satellite in May 2012. We describe the development and flight results of the SDS-4.