REXS [ISAS]
Official name DENPA (REXS)
Alternative name Denpa
Cospar ID 1972-064A
Norad ID 6152
Launch date 1972-08-19
Launch site KSCUT
Launch vehicle M-4S
Country/Organization Japan
Type application Research, ionospheric
Operator ISAS
RCS size LARGE
Decay date 1980-05-19
Shape Oct Cyl
Mass (kg) 75.32
Diameter (m) 0.71
Height (m) 0.68
Span (m^2) 0.71
Power Solar cells, batteries

REXS (Radiation Experiments Satellite) or Denpa was a spacecraft with a diameter of 75 cm, an octagonal column form, and a height of 75 cm. Three antennas, each 2 m long, were extended from the main structure. A fluxgate magnetometer sensor was located on the boom 0.5 m from the base. The satellite was spin stabilized at about 3 rps. Power was supplied from 5000 silicon N-P solar cells mounted on the octagonal faces to supply minimum average power of 13 w. Data from experiments were stored in a tape recorder and transmitted from the 136-mHz PCM telemeter by ground command.

The primary objectives of Denpa was to measure electromagnetic wave, plasma wave, ambient electron density, energetic electron flux, cyclotron wave instability, and magnetic disturbances in the ionosphere and the lower magnetosphere.

The satellite stopped transmitting radio signals several days after launch. Therefore no scientific results were obtained from this mission. The final report concluded that the satellite malfunction was due to high voltage arching that occurred after instrument turn on.

Satellite COSPAR Date LS Launch Vehicle Remarks
DENPA (REXS) 1972-064A 1972-08-19 KSCUT M-4S