KIKU 4 (ETS 3)
NORAD 13492
Payload
LEO
1982-087A
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🛰️ Orbital Parameters
Perigee
986 km
Apogee
1004 km
Inclination
44.6°
Period
105.0 min
Mean Motion
13.71268067 rev/day
TLE Epoch
2026-05-08 16:00:00 UTC
📐 Computed Orbital Characteristics
Avg. Altitude995 km
Orbital Velocity26,482 km/h
Velocity7.36 km/s
Orbital Period105 minutes
Orbits / Day13.71
Eccentricity0.0012
Semi-Major Axis7,366 km
Est. Orbital Lifetime~100–500 years
🚀 Launch & Identity
Country / Operator
🇯🇵 Japan
Launch Date
1982-09-03
Launch Site
TNSTA
Int'l Designator
1982-087A
Object Type
Payload
RCS Size
Large (>1 m²)
📖 About This Object
KIKU 4 (ETS 3) is an active satellite operated by Japan, launched on 1982-09-03 from TNSTA. With over 44 years in orbit, it has far exceeded many satellites’ design lifetimes. It orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 986 km and 1,004 km with an inclination of 44.6°. It travels at approximately 26,482 km/h (7.36 km/s), completing one full orbit every 105 minutes — that’s roughly 13.71 orbits per day. At its current altitude, the estimated orbital lifetime before atmospheric re-entry is ~100–500 years. Orbital Radar tracks KIKU 4 (ETS 3) in real time using the latest two-line element set (TLE) data, providing live position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated continuously.
🌍 Orbit Context
KIKU 4 (ETS 3) occupies the mid-LEO band between 600 and 1,000 km, where atmospheric drag is minimal but radiation exposure remains low. This altitude range balances orbital longevity (decades to centuries) with reasonable ground coverage, making it popular for remote sensing constellations, scientific instruments and weather satellites. Debris concerns are significant here because objects persist far longer than in lower orbits.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
KIKU 4 (ETS 3) orbits in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes between 986 km (perigee) and 1,004 km (apogee), with an average altitude of approximately 995 km. It completes one orbit every 105 minutes, travelling at approximately 26,482 km/h (16,455 mph).
KIKU 4 (ETS 3) is operated by Japan. It is catalogued by the U.S. Space Surveillance Network under NORAD ID 13492. You can track KIKU 4 (ETS 3) in real time on Orbital Radar’s live tracker.
KIKU 4 (ETS 3) was launched on 1982-09-03 from TNSTA. At its current altitude, the estimated remaining orbital lifetime is: ~100–500 years.
Yes — Orbital Radar tracks KIKU 4 (ETS 3) (NORAD ID 13492) using the latest TLE (two-line element set) data from Space-Track and CelesTrak. Open the live tracker to see its current position, altitude, speed and orbital path updated in real time.
KIKU 4 (ETS 3) travels at approximately 26,482 km/h (16,455 mph) — roughly 7.36 km/s. It completes 13.71 orbits per day, meaning the crew or instruments aboard (if any) would experience approximately 27 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours.