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L-4S Launch Vehicle

L-4S was Japan's first orbital launch vehicle, a four-stage all-solid Lambda configuration derived by adding a kick stage to the L-3H sounding rocket. It served as a precursor and flight-demonstration program for Mu-series orbital-injection methods; the fifth attempt placed Ohsumi, Japan's first satellite, into orbit.

Identity

Aliases
Lambda 4SLambda-4SL-4Sロケット
Family Name
L-4S
Full Name
L-4S Launch Vehicle
Reusability
expendable
Slug
l-4s-launch-vehicle
Status
retired
Type
rocket

Details

Description
L-4S was Japan's first orbital launch vehicle, a four-stage all-solid Lambda configuration derived by adding a kick stage to the L-3H sounding rocket. It served as a precursor and flight-demonstration program for Mu-series orbital-injection methods; the fifth attempt placed Ohsumi, Japan's first satellite, into orbit.
Diameter M
0.767
First Flight Year
1,966
Height M
16.522
Last Flight Year
1,970
Liftoff Mass Kg
9,399
Payload Capacity Kg
Leo
26
Stages Count
4

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Creation Time
7/13/2026, 12:07:06 PM
Updated Time
7/13/2026, 12:07:06 PM