BSAT-2c: Japanese Geostationary Satellite for Digital TV Broadcasting

Overview
BSAT-2c was a geostationary communications satellite operated by Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT) of Japan. Built by Orbital Sciences Corporation on the STAR-1 satellite platform, it was designed to deliver high-definition direct-to-home (DTH) television broadcasting across Japan. Positioned at 110° East, BSAT-2c operated alongside BSAT-2a, offering redundant broadcast services.

Launch and Mission Timeline

• Ordered: October 2001 (to replace the failed BSAT-2b mission)

• Launched: June 11, 2003, aboard an Ariane 5G rocket from Guiana Space Centre (ELA-3)

• Commissioned: July 15, 2003

• Decommissioned: August 2013, moved to graveyard orbit

• Broadcast Transition: Supported Japan’s shift to digital TV, ending analog broadcasts by July 2011

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: Orbital Sciences Corporation

• Satellite Bus: STAR-1

• Launch Mass: 1,275 kg (2,811 lb)

• Dry Mass: 535 kg (1,179 lb)

• Design Life: 10 years

• Power Generation: 2.6 kW via dual solar arrays

• Dimensions:

  • Stowed: 3.7 × 2.5 × 2.0 m (12.1 × 8.2 × 6.6 ft)

  • Solar Span: 11.5 m (38 ft)

• Propulsion:

  • Solid rocket Star 30CBP for orbit raising

  • 200 kg of liquid propellant for station keeping

• Payload:

  • Ku-band transponders: 4 active + 4 spares

  • TWTA output power: 130 Watts per channel

Mission Legacy
BSAT-2c played a crucial role in advancing digital satellite broadcasting in Japan, offering reliable, high-power Ku-band transmission during a pivotal transition period from analog to digital broadcasting. It served as a direct replacement for BSAT-2b, which failed during launch, and extended B-SAT’s capacity for nationwide DTH services.