Orbital BSAT-2 User Manual
GEO
Communications
BSAT-2 Series
DTH Ku-band Commercial Communications Satellites
FACTS AT A GLANCE
Mission Description
The BSAT-2 satellites were designed to provide direct-to-home digital high-denition television
throughout Japan. Built for the Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT), these satellites
relayed channels at higher resolution and in a wider-screen format than traditional analog systems.
BSAT-2a was launched March 8, 2001. BSAT-2b, an in-orbit backup to BSAT-2a was placed into an
incorrect orbit by an Ariane 5 rocket in July 2001. Orbital was awarded the contract to supply
BSAT-2c, the replacement for BSAT-2b, in October 2001 and the satellite was launched June 11,
2003. The entire system, including the ground segment, was fully redundant, helping to ensure reliable
television service.
Spacecraft
The BSAT-2 satellities are based on Orbital’s highly successful Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO)
communications satellites which are able to accommodate all types of commercial communications
payloads and are compatible with all major commercial launchers. The company’s GEOStar product
line includes the GEOStar-2 design, which is optimized for smaller satellite missions that can support
up to 5.0 kilowatts of payload power. Orbital has also developed the higher-power GEOStar-3
spacecraft design, delivering the next increment of payload power for applications between 5.0 and
8.0 kilowatts, allowing Orbital to offer its innovative and reliable satellite design to the medium-class of
communications satellites.
Coverage:
Japan
Mission:
Ku-band digital broadcast satellite (DBS)
for Japanese television
Customer:
Broadcasting Satellite System
Corporation (B-SAT)
BSAT-2a in production
BSAT-2 Series
Specications
Spacecraft
Launch Mass: 1,317 kg (2,904 lb.)
Redundancy: Full dual string
Solar Arrays: Silicon panels
Stabilization: 3-axis momentum bias, nadir oriented,
precise pointing
Propulsion: Solid apogee kick motor, redundant liquid
monopropellant system
Mission Life: 10 years (fueled for over 11.5 years)
Orbit: 110
Payload
Payload: 4-channel digital TV transmission repeater
Power: 4 of 8 130 W Ku-band conduction-cooled
Antenna: 2.2 m (7.2 ft.) offset focus-shaped reector
Frequency: Ku-band,
Receive signal: 17.3-17.6 GHz,
Transmit signal: 11.7-12.0 GHz
Launch
Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5
Site: Kourou, French Guiana
Date: BSAT-2a: March 8, 2001
BSAT-2b: July 12, 2001*
BSAT-2c: June 11, 2003
°
East Longitude
TWTAs amplify the four selected channels
Mission Partners
Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT)
Tokyo-based company founded by NHK, WOWOW and major
private broadcasters of Japan
Orbital Sciences Corporation
Prime contractor for BSAT-2 system, including in-orbit spacecraft
payload provider and ground control stations
Arianespace
Launch provider
The BSAT-2 satellites were
launched aboard Ariane 5
rockets from their launch site
in South America near the
equator.
BSAT-2 Mission Update
The BSAT-2a spacecraft was launched from Kourou, French Guiana, on
March 8, 2001. Following nal test of the communications payload, the
satellite was handed over to the customer on April 25, 2001 as planned.
BSAT-2c was launched from Kourou, French Guiana on June 11,
2003 and was placed in geosynchronous earth orbit at 110 degrees
East Longitude collocated with BSAT-2a. Following the nal test of the
communications payload, the satellite was handed over to the customer
and began commercial operations on July 15, 2003. BSAT-2a acted as an
on-orbit backup to BSAT-2c.
In January 2013, BSAT-2a was deactivated and transitioned to a disposal
orbit. The spacecraft exceeded its mission lifetime by nearly two years.
In August 2013, BSAT-2c was deactivated and transitioned to a disposal
orbit.
Orbital Sciences Corporation
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©2014 Orbital Sciences Corporation FS008_01_1998
•
Dulles, Virginia 20166
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www.orbital.com
* BSAT-2b placed into incorrect orbit by launch vehicle
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