SS-520
Japanese sounding-rocket-derived small orbital rocket
A sounding rocket given a third stage, SS-520 is officially the smallest orbital rocket ever flown — 9.54 metres tall, 2,600 kg, carrying a 3-kg CubeSat. JAXA flew it successfully on 3 February 2018 from Uchinoura; the feat was certified by Guinness World Records. A 2017 attempt with an earlier vehicle had failed.
Service 1998–2018
1998 to 2018
1998 first flight 2018 last flight
- launches
- 4
- success · 3/4
- 75%
Full Launch History
Feb 3, 2018 | TRICOM-1R Japan • SS-520 |
Jan 14, 2017Failure | TRICOM-1 Japan • SS-520 |
Dec 4, 2000 | Ion Outflow Japan • SS-520 |
Feb 5, 1998 | ENA/EPS/LAP Japan • SS-520 |