COMETS (Kakehashi) [NASDA]
COMETS (Communication Engineering Test Satellite) a two-ton geostationary three-axis stabilized satellite, is being created to develop the new technologies required for future fields in communications and broadcasting.
Relay satellites in geostationary orbit will be used to develop the following technologies:
The COMETS was launched by its 5th H-2 Launch Vehicle on 21 February 1998. Though the first burnig was normal, the second burning time period of the second-stage engine was shorter than scheduled which resulted in injection of the COMETS satellite to lower orbit than the geostationary transfer orbit. Due to successful seven orbital maneuvres, COMETS has been moved to recurrent orbit. It was used for conducting scheduled experiments on the orbit as possible.
The routine operetion phase of the COMETS was bought to an end on January 31,1999, and its extended phese started. NASDA terminated its operation on 6 August 1999.
Nation: | Japan |
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Type / Application: | Communication |
Operator: | NASDA |
Contractors: | |
Equipment: | 5(+1) Ka-band 200W transponders |
Configuration: | |
Propulsion: | 1700 N apogee kick engine, 2 ion thrusters |
Power: | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
Lifetime: | 3 years |
Mass: | 3900 kg |
Orbit: | GEO |
Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
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COMETS (Kakehashi) | 1998-011A | 21.02.1998 | Ta YLP-1 | p | H-2 |