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SFU

The first domestic microgravity spacecraft is now scheduled for launch by the H-II booster in early 1995. Called the Space Flyer Unit (SFU), the reusable satellite is analogous to ESA's EURECA, i.e., SFU will be operated in LEO for 6-9 months conducting a variety of materials processing experiments before it is retrieved and returned to Earth by a US Space Shuttle. Also like EURECA, SFU will possess an initial mass of approximately four metric tons, including one metric ton of payload.

Mitsubishi is the prime contractor for SFU, which is being funded by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry through ISAS and NASDA in cooperation with the newly established Institute for Free Flyer Unmanned Space Experiments (USEF).

SFU consists primarily of an octagonal bus (4.9 m diameter, 3.0 m tall) and two large solar arrays (2.4 m by 9.6 m each) with a capacity of 2.7 kW. The solar arrays are retractable and will be stowed and redeployed several times during the mission as warranted by special experiments. The spacecraft will utilize a 3-axis stabilization system and will be equipped with a propulsion unit capable of maneuvering the vehicle to an operating altitude of nearly 500 km and returning to a lower retrieval altitude for STS (References 782-783).

The objectives for SFU are actually multipurpose to include materials science, life science, astrophysics, and space technology experiments. The platform will also serve to test equipment slated for use on JEM being built for the International Space Station. Three USEF materials science experiments are manifested for the first SFU mission: a gradient heating furnace (1,250 degrees C capacity), an isothermal heating furnace (1,200 degrees C capacity), and a mirror heating furnace (1,380 degrees C capacity). ISAS will also sponsor the Material Experiment under Microgravity (MEX) to study the homogeneity of crystals grown in space. Meanwhile, NASDA will conduct material exposure experiments and precisely measure the levels of microgravity present on SFU. The frequency of SFU missions will, in part, be determined by the US STS schedule.