The Japanese HORYU-2 research satellite was launched May 17 at 1639 UTC as part of a mission that included the JAXA climate observation satellite Shizuku.

HORYU-2 was built by students at the Kyushu Institute of Technology (KIT) and it carries the call sign JG6YBW. The satellite will conduct a variety of experiments including high-voltage power generation and space debris measurements.

Amateurs have been asked to monitor HORYU-2’s Morse code and 1200-baud AX.25 packet telemetry at 437.375 MHz. Telemetry decoding software is available for downloading from KIT. To encourage hams to submit reports, KIT will conduct a monthly prize drawing. Details are available here.