Lambda is the name of a series of Japanesecarrier rockets.[1][2] It consisted of the types Lambda 2,[3][2] LSC-3,[4] Lambda 3,[5][2] Lambda 3H,[2][6] Lambda 4S,[2][7][8] Lambda 4SC,[2][9] and Lambda 4T[2][10] developed jointly byInstitute of Industrial Science of theUniversity of Tokyo,Institute of Space and Astronautical Science of theUniversity of Tokyo, andPrince Motor Company, which merged withNissan in 1966.[11]
Lambda series rockets did not haveguidance systems, as they had the potential to be converted for offensive military use, thus interpreted as a violation ofArticle 9 of the Japanese Constitution. However, future Japanese launch vehicles, such as theH-II, were allowed to have guidance systems.[12]
Lambda types differ regarding the upper stages used. The following table shows the actual configurations:[2]
| Type | Boosters | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lambda 2 | - | L-735 | K-420 | - | - |
| Lambda 3 | - | L-735 | K-420 | Kappa-8 | - |
| Lambda 3H | - | L-735 | L-735(1/3) | L-500 | - |
| Lambda 4S | 2 × SB-310 | L-735 | L-735(1/3) | L-500 | L-480S |
| Lambda 4SC | 2 × SB-310 | L-735 | L-735(1/3) | L-500 | L-480S |
| Lambda 4T | 2 × SB-310 | L-735 | L-735(1/3) | L-500 | L-480S |
Lambda rockets were launched byISAS, fromKagoshima pad L.[1][2]
On February 11, 1970, the first JapanesesatelliteOhsumi was launched using a Lambda 4S rocket.
The Lambda 4S was launched nine times, though five were failures.[13][8] The first launch of theLambda 4S rocket took place on September 26, 1966, fromKagoshima.[14] A fourth-stage attitude control failed resulting in loss of the vehicle and payload.
| Date | Version | Apogee (km) | Mission |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 August 24 | Lambda 2 | 51 | Failure |
| 1963 December 11 | Lambda 2 | 410 | Ionosphere mission |
| 1964 July 11 | Lambda 3 | 857 | Ionosphere mission |
| 1965 January 31 | Lambda 3 | 1040 | Ionosphere mission |
| 1965 March 18 | Lambda 3 | 1085 | X-ray astronomy mission |
| 1966 March 5 | Lambda 3H | 1829 | X-ray astronomy mission |
| 1966 July 23 | Lambda 3H | 1800 | Gyro-plasma probe Ionosphere / aeronomy mission |
| 1966 September 26 | Lambda 4S | 400 | Ohsumi launch attempt. Failure: Fourth stage attitude control failed |
| 1966 December 20 | Lambda 4S | 400 | Ohsumi launch attempt. Failure: Fourth stage failed to ignite |
| 1967 February 6 | Lambda 3H | 2150 | Ionosphere / chemical release / x-ray astronomy mission |
| 1967 April 13 | Lambda 4S | 200 | Ohsumi launch attempt. Failure: Fourth stage failed to ignite |
| 1969 January 16 | Lambda 3H | 1800 | Ionosphere mission |
| 1969 September 3 | Lambda 4T | 400 | Test mission |
| 1969 September 22 | Lambda 4S | 400 | Ohsumi launch attempt. Failure: Fourth stage control system malfunction after third stage collided with fourth stage |
| 1970 January 21 | Lambda 3H | 1848 | Ionosphere / plasma mission |
| 1970 February 11 | Lambda 4S | 2440 | Ohsumi (first successful satellite of Japan, fifth attempt of Lambda 4S) |
| 1970 September 19 | Lambda 3H | 2017 | X-ray / ultraviolet astronomy mission |
| 1971 August 20 | Lambda 4SC | 1500 | Failure |
| 1971 September 3 | Lambda 3H | 1718 | Aeronomy / ionosphere / x-ray astronomy mission |
| 1973 January 28 | Lambda 4SC | 1500 | TVC test |
| 1974 January 22 | Lambda 3H | 1571 | St 2: 329 km X-ray astronomy mission |
| 1974 September 1 | Lambda 4SC | 1500 | TVC test |
| 1976 August 30 | Lambda 4SC | 1500 | Radar transponder |
| 1977 August 16 | Lambda 3H | 1294 | Aeronomy / ionosphere / plasma mission |
| 1979 September 20 | Lambda 4SC | 82 | TVC test |
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