DFH-4 Bus

generic DFH-4 bus [CAST]

The DFH-4 bus is a large telecommunications satellite platform of new generation, it keeps high capability in output power and communication capacity ranking with international advanced satellite platforms. This platform can be used in high capacity broadcast communication satellite, new generation direct broadcasting satellite, new generation tracking and data relay satellite, regional mobile communication satellite, etc. The platform comprises propulsion module, service module and solar array. It has a payload capacity of 588 kg and an output power of 10.5 kW by the end of its lifetime. Its design lifetime is 15 years and its reliability by the end of lifetime is more than 0.78. Based on versatility, inheritance, expandability and promptness principles and mature technology, the platform will reach world advanced level to meet the needs of international and domestic large communication satellite markets.

Failures:

Following failures of DFH-4 models have occured:

• Sinosat 2: failed to deploy solar arrays, total loss
• NIGCOMSAT 1: failed due to a technical error of the satellite's solar array in November 2008