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JCSAT

In 1989 two, purely commercial Japanese communications networks were started, both relying on U.S.-made spacecraft. In 1985 the Japanese Communications Satellite Company was created by Hughes, Mitsui, and C Itoh as a commercial alternative to the Government controlled CS and BS satellites for the full range of telecommunications services (Hughes later left the consortium). In March, 1989, and January, 1990, JCSAT 1 and JCSAT 2 were launched by Ariane and Titan 3 boosters, respectively. Both spacecraft are identical and based on the Hughes HS-393 platform.

These 1.4-metric-ton spin-stabilized spacecraft are 3.7 m in diameter and 10 m tall when the solar array skirt is extended. The communications payload consists of 40 14/12 GHz transponders (including eight spares), working through a single 2.4 m diameter antenna. The JCSAT spacecraft are deployed at 150 degrees E (next to ETS V) and 154 degrees E and are designed to operate for at least ten years. JCSAT 3 was scheduled for launch in 1995 and will use the larger HS-601 bus to carry 12 C-band and 28 Ku-band transponders. The on-station mass will be 1,820 kg (References 195-200).

195. K. P. Dawson, "Satellite Use Doubles Japanese TV Channels", Space News, 27 July - 9 August 1992, pp. 6, 10.

196. K. P. Dawson, "Communications Satellite Binge Begins to Slow, Space News, 27 July - 9 August 1992, pp. 6, 10.

197. "Hughes Wins JCSAT-3 Contract From Japan", Space News, 1-7 November 1993, p. 2.

198. "Japanese Unit Set To Launch First Hughes 393 Satellite", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 20 February 1989, p. 25.

199. M. Magee, "Two Japanese Satellite Firms Still Negotiating Merger", Space News, 3-9 May 1993, p. 11.

200. S. Mansfield, "Digital Multichannel TV To Begin in Japan", Space News, 17-23 July 1995, p. 6.

Sources and Resources

• Adapted from: Europe and Asia in Space 1993-1994, Nicholas Johnson and David Rodvold [Kaman Sciences / Air Force Phillips Laboratory]

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