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STARS-EC (Space Tethered Autonomous Robotic Satellite Elevator of CubeSat, COSPAR 1998-067SE, SATCAT 47928) was a nanosatellite developed by Shizuoka University, for the purpose of demonstrating space elevator tether technology. It was a 3U-size CubeSat, and could split into three separate satellites, connected via tethers. STARS-EC was launched on 20 February 2021, and was deployed from the International Space Station (ISS).[1] The deployment service of STARS-EC was provided by Mitsui Bussan Aerospace.[2]
The satellite decayed from orbit on 15 April 2022.[3]
STARS-EC's mission was to demonstrate space elevator tether technology using a 3U CubeSat. After deployment from the ISS, the satellite split into three separate spacecraft, each the size of a 1U CubeSat.[4] The spacecraft on each end was connected to the center satellite by an 11 m-long (36 ft) space tether, thus putting the satellites on the ends 22 m apart from one another.[2][5] The satellite in the center moved back and forth along the tether, demonstrating the orbital space elevator technology. Each spacecraft was equipped with a camera to monitor the elevator demonstration.[4]
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