STARS-EC

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). The deployment service of STARS-EC was provided by Mitsui Bussan Aerospace.

The satellite decayed from orbit on 15 April 2022.

Mission
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. The spacecraft on each end was connected to the center satellite by an 11 m space tether, thus putting the satellites on the ends 22 m apart from one another. 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.