On this day, 55 years ago, on February 11, 1970 (January 6, 1970, the Japanese satellite was successfully tested. Japan launched a satellite into Earth orbit in 1970, becoming the fourth country to launch an artificial satellite. The rocket, known as Saddam S4, entered the Pacific Ocean eastward from the Unoura Space Center at 13:25 Japanese time. The rocket carries a spherical satellite that can send out radio signals for tracking purposes. Japan only achieved this space achievement today after four failed attempts.