BSAT-3c explained

BSAT-3c / JCSAT-110R
Names List:JCSAT-110R
Mission Type:Communication
Operator:B-SAT / SKY Perfect JSAT
Cospar Id:2011-041C
Satcat:37776
Website:JSAT Official Page
Mission Duration:15 years (planned)
Spacecraft:BSAT-3c
Spacecraft Bus:A2100
Manufacturer:Lockheed Martin
Launch Mass:2906 kg
Dimensions:5.3x
Power:7.5 kW
Launch Date:6 August 2011, 22:52:00 UTC
Launch Rocket:Ariane 5 ECA
Launch Site:Centre Spatial Guyanais, ELA-3
Launch Contractor:Arianespace
Entered Service:21 September 2011
Orbit Reference:Geocentric orbit
Orbit Regime:Geostationary orbit
Orbit Longitude:110.0° East
Apsis:gee
Trans Band:B-SAT: 12 Ku-band
JSAT: 12 × 36 MHz Ku-band
Trans Coverage:Japan
Trans Twta:B-SAT: 120 watts
Programme:B-SAT
Previous Mission:BSAT-3b
Next Mission:BSAT-4a

BSAT-3c, also known as JCSAT-110R, is a geostationary communications satellite operated by Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT) and SKY Perfect JSAT (JSAT) which was designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin on the A2100 platform.

History

On 18 September 2007, SKY Perfect JSAT (JSAT) announced an agreement with B-SAT to jointly procure a hybrid broadcast and communication satellite. Thanks to a decision of the Japanese government that effectively lifted a ban on such mixed satellites, both companies would share a spacecraft to act as backup of JCSAT-110 on the 110.0° East slot. Named BSAT-3c by B-SAT and JCSAT-110R by JSAT, it was to be launched in 2011, and it would be managed by B-SAT. On 19 September 2007, they closed a deal with Arianespace for a launch slot with an Ariane 5 for its launch.

On 15 December 2008, JSAT and B-SAT placed a joint order with Lockheed for another A2100-based satellite. Designated JCSAT-110R by JSAT and BSAT-3c by B-SAT, it was to be launched by an Ariane 5 in the second quarter of 2011. The satellite would have two 12 Ku-band payloads, one for each of the owners.

Satellite description

The spacecraft was designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin on the A2100 satellite bus for B-SAT and SKY Perfect JSAT (JSAT). It had a launch mass of and a 15-year design life. As most satellites based on the A2100 platform, it uses a LEROS-1C LAE for orbit raising.

It measures 5.3x when stowed for launch. Its dual wing solar panels can generate 7.5 kW of power at the end of its design life, and span when fully deployed.

It has two payloads, both in the Ku-band with 12 transponders each (a total of 24), each payload is dedicated to each of the owners. The B-SAT payload has 12 transponders with a TWTA output power of 120 watts. The JSAT payload has twelve 36 MHz transponders.

Launch

Intended to launch on 1 August 2011, an anomaly on a valve of the EPC stage of the Ariane 5 ECA rocket, aborted the first launch attempt while the rocket was returned to its integration building for maintenance. On 6 August 2011, at 22:52 UTC, JCSAT-110R/BSAT-3c and its launch companion Astra 1N launched aboard the Ariane 5 ECA from Centre Spatial Guyanais ELA-3 launch pad. At 23:30 UTC, BSAT-3c, which was riding on the lower berth under the SYLDA adapter, separated from the upper stage and successfully finishing the launcher mission. The first signals from the satellite were received at 23:52 UTC, and the process of transferring to its definitive orbital position at 110.0° East and verifying its performance was started. It was introduced into operational service on 21 September 2011.

It was the last of the third generation of B-SAT three-satellite fleet, and the on-orbit spare for the JSAT fleet.