CS 3a (Sakura 3a) [NASDA]
CS 3a and 3b (Communications Satellite 3a and 3b), renamed Sakura 3A and 3B were the third generation of Japanese communications satellites. They were used for public communications operations and for cooperative operations such as emergency transmissions during disasters and communications with distant Japanese islands. These replaced the earlier CS 2 (Sakura 2) satellites.
CS-3a or Sakura 3A was launched by the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) on an H-1 UM-129A (9 SO) from the Tanegashima Space Center. It was a business communications satellite, placed in a geostationary orbit at 132° East. It was part of the establishment of domestic satellite telecommunications network mainly for natural disasters, emergencies and for remote islands submillimeter wavelength and microwavelength signals. CS-3a ended its programmed operation on 30 November 1995.
CS-3b or Sakura 3B was launched on an H-1 UM-129A (9 SO) by Japan. It provided a reserve satellite on the orbit of CS-3A. CS-3b finished its programmed operation on 31 May 1996.
Nation: | Japan |
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Type / Application: | Communication |
Operator: | NASDA, later TSCJ |
Contractors: | Mitsubishi Electric (MELCO), NEC, Ford Aerospace |
Equipment: | 2 (+1) C-band transponders 4W TWTA, 180 MHz bandwidth, EIRP max 29 dBW 10 (+5) Ka-band transponders 4.2W TWTA, 100 MHz bandwidth, EIRP max 37 dBW |
Configuration: | |
Propulsion: | Star-30B |
Power: | Solar cells, batteries |
Lifetime: | 7 years |
Mass: | 1099 kg; 550 kg (BOL) |
Orbit: | GEO |
Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
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CS 3a (Sakura 3a) | 1988-012A | 19.02.1988 | Ta LP-N | H-1 UM-129A (9 SO) | ||
CS 3b (Sakura 3b) | 1988-086A | 16.09.1988 | Ta LP-N | H-1 UM-129A (9 SO) |