It aimed to demonstrate the performance of the new launch vehicle, test its ability to escape from Earth gravity, and observe the interplanetary medium and magnetic field.

Sakigake was also supposed to act as a frame of reference for data received from probes that flew closer to Halley's Comet.

Early measurements would be used to improve the mission of the Suisei probe launched several months later.

It carried out a flyby of Halley's Comet on March 11, 1986, at a distance of 6.99 million km.

Telemetry contact was lost on November 15, 1995, though a beacon signal continued to be received until January 7, 1999.