GINGA, which means "galaxy" in Japanese, is the third Japanese X-ray astronomy satellite. GINGA, formerly known as Astro-C, was launched by the M-3SII-3 rocket at 15h30m (JST), February 5, 1987, from Kagoshima Space Center (KSC). The observation period ended on November 1, 1991, when Ginga reentered the earth's atmosphere.

GINGA Satellite Pictures

• X-Ray Astronomy Satellite "GINGA"
• Large Area Proportional Counter (LAC)
• Rocket Integration at KSC