In November 1998, following an open international competition, Japan's Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT) selected Orbital to construct and launch two geosynchronous direct-to-home TV broadcast satellites. The BSAT-2a and -2b satellites were designed to provide direct-to-home digital high-definition television throughout Japan, relaying channels at higher resolution and in a wider-screen format than traditional analog systems.
BSAT-2a was launched in March 2001 and is providing broadcasting service. Upon completion of checkout, systems were functioning nominally. BSAT-2b, which was launched in July 2001, and intended to serve as on-orbit backup, was placed into an unusable incorrect orbit by the launch provider. In another vote of confidence in Orbital's ability to deliver reliable, cost-effective GEO satellites, B-SAT awarded Orbital the contract for BSAT-2c, the replacement for BSAT-2b, in September 2001
Performance:
Payload: 4-channel digital TV transmission repeater
Power: > 1,982 W at EOL
Stabilization: 3-axis momentum-biased
Launch mass: 1,292 kg (2,848 lbs)
Orbit: geostationary, 110° East longitude (both satellites)
Mission life: 10-years (fueled for over 11.5 years)
Status:
BSAT-2a launched in March 2001; providing broadcast services
BSAT-2b launched in July 2001; placed into improper orbit
BSAT-2c launched in June 2003, on-orbit back-up to BSAT-2a
Coverage: Japan
Customer: Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT) - Tokyo, Japan
Mission: Ku-band digital broadcast satellite (DBS) for Japanese television
