JCSAT-2A


JCSAT-2A, known as JCSAT-8 before launch, is a geostationary communications satellite operated by SKY Perfect JSAT Group which was designed and manufactured by Boeing on the BSS-601 platform. It has Ku band and C band payload and was used to replace JCSAT-2 at the 154°East longitude. It covers Japan, East Asia, Australia and Hawaii.

Satellite description

The spacecraft was designed and manufactured by Boeing on the BSS-601 satellite bus. It had a launch mass of a power production of 3.7 kW and an 11-year design life. Stowed for launch it measured, with its solar panels and antennas deployed it measured.
Its payload is composed of sixteen 57 MHz Ku band plus eleven 36 MHz and five 54 MHz C band transponders, for a total bandwidth of 1,578 MHz. Its high power amplifiers had an output power of 120 Watts on Ku band and　34 Watts on C band.
The Ku band footprint covers only Japan, while the C band beams cover Japan, East Asia, Australia and Hawaii.

History

In April 2000, JSAT ordered JCSAT-8 from Boeing, to replace JCSAT-2 at the 154° East slot. It would provide coverage to Japan, East Asia, Australia and Hawaii.
An Ariane 44L successfully launched JCSAT-8 on March 29, 2002 at 01:29 UTC from Guiana Space Centre. Once successfully deployed, it was renamed JCSAT-2A.