 L-4S-5 | |
| Function | Experimental carrier rocket |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | ISAS Nissan |
| Country of origin | Japan |
| Size | |
| Height | 16.5 metres (54 ft) |
| Diameter | 0.74 metres (2 ft 5 in) |
| Mass | 9,400 kilograms (20,700 lb) |
| Stages | 4 |
| Capacity | |
| Payload toLEO | |
| Mass | 26 kilograms (57 lb)[1] |
| Associated rockets | |
| Family | Lambda |
| Derivative work | Lambda 4SC |
| Launch history | |
| Status | Retired |
| Launch sites | KagoshimaPad L |
| Total launches | 5 |
| Success(es) | 1 |
| Failure | 4 |
| First flight | 26 September 1966 |
| Last flight | 11 February 1970 |
| Carries passengers or cargo | Ohsumi |
TheLambda 4S orL-4S was an experimental Japaneseexpendablecarrier rocket. It was produced byNissan and theInstitute of Space and Astronautical Science and launched five times between 1966 and 1970 withOhsumi technology demonstration satellites. The first four launches failed, however the fifth, launched on 11 February 1970, successfully placed Ohsumi-5, the first Japanese satellite, into orbit.[2][3]
The Lambda 4S consisted of four stages, with twobooster rockets augmenting the first stage.SB-310 rockets were used as boosters, with anL735 first stage. The second stage was a reduced length derivative of the L735, whilst anL500 was used as the third stage.[4] The fourth stage was anL480S. All four stages burnedsolid propellant.[3]
The Lambda 4S could place 26 kilograms (57 lb) of payload intolow Earth orbit. It was launched from theKagoshima Space Centre. Following its retirement in 1970, asounding rocket derived from it, theLambda 4SC, flew three times in order to test technologies for the Mu rockets to follow. TheMu replaced Lambda for orbital launches.