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BSAT-3b, is a geostationary communications satellite operated by Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT) which was designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin on the A2100 platform. It is stationed on the 110.0° East orbital slot along its companion BSAT-3a and BSAT-3c from where they provide redundant high definition direct television broadcasting across Japan.[6][7][8]

BSAT-3b

Mission type	Communication
Operator	B-SAT
COSPAR ID	2010-056B[1]
SATCAT no.	37206
Website	B-SAT Satellite Fleet
Mission duration	15 years (planned)
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft	BSAT-3b
Bus	A2100[2]
Manufacturer	Lockheed Martin
Launch mass	2060 kg
Dry mass	975 kg
Dimensions	3.8 by 1.9 by 1.9 metres (12.5 ft × 6.2 ft × 6.2 ft)[3]
Power	3000 watts[4]
Start of mission
Launch date	28 October 2010, 21:51:07 UTC[5]
Rocket	Ariane 5 ECA (VA-197)
Launch site	Centre Spatial Guyanais, ELA-3
Contractor	Arianespace
Entered service	8 December 2010
Orbital parameters
Reference system	Geocentric orbit
Regime	Geostationary orbit
Longitude	110.0° East
Transponders
Band	8 (plus 4 spares) Ku-band
Coverage area	Japan
TWTA power	130 watts
B-SAT ← BSAT-3a BSAT-3c →

Satellite description

BSAT-3b was designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin on the A2100 satellite bus for B-SAT. It had a launch mass of 2,060 kilograms (4,540 lb), a dry mass of 975 kilograms (2,150 lb), and a 15-year design life.[3] As most satellites based on the A2100 platform, it uses a 460 newtons (100 lb_f) LEROS-1C LAE for orbit raising.[6]

It measured 3.8 by 1.9 by 1.9 metres (12.5 ft × 6.2 ft × 6.2 ft) when stowed for launch. Its dual wing solar panels can generate 3 kW of power at the end of its design life, and span 14.65 metres (48.1 ft) when fully deployed.[3]

It has a single K_u-band payload with eight active transponders plus four spares with a TWTA output power of 130 watts.[2]

History

On 15 April 2008, Lockheed Martin announced that it had also been awarded the second contract of the B-SAT third generation broadcast satellite fleet for BSAT-3b. It had already produced BSAT-3a, which launched on 2007, and would eventually also produce BSAT-3c. BSAT-3b would be based on the A2100 platform, sport 8 K_u-band transponders (plus 4 spares) and have a design life of 15 years. It was going to be located at the 110.0° East orbital position.[8] It was to be launched aboard an Ariane 5 ECA in the second half of 2010.[9]

On 26 October 2010, Lockheed announced that BSAT-3b was mated to the launcher and ready for its ride to orbit.[10] It launch at 21:51 UTC, on 28 October 2010 aboard an Ariane 5 ECA from Centre Spatial Guyanais ELA-3 launch pad. It rode on the lower berth under the SYLDA with Eutelsat W3B.[5][1] The first signals from the satellite were received one hour later, at 22:52 UTC.[11]

On 4 November 2010, Lockheed Martin announced that BSAT-3b had successfully deployed its reflector antennas and solar panels, and also had successfully performed all orbital maneuvers. After some further check outs, it would be put into operative service.[12] It was entered into service on 8 December 2010 after successfully passing the on-orbit deployment and checkout phase.[2][13]

References

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