NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 1998-024B
BSAT 1B was a geosynchronous communications satellite launched from the Kourou Space Station aboard an Ariane 44LP rocket. This Hughes satellite was created for the Broadcasting Satellite System Corp of Japan and was positioned at 109.9 deg E. It provided four-channel viewing capabilities to homes with small, low-cost receiver dishes. Services available included NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corp), WOWOW (Japan Satellite Broadcasting Inc) and others. Like BSAT-1A, it carried four active and four spare high-power transponders in Ku-band, using 106-watt traveling wave tube amplifiers. Built as a back-up to BSAT-1A, its contracted life is 10 years.
Launch Date: 1998-04-28
Launch Vehicle: Ariane 4
Launch Site: Kourou, French Guiana
Mass: 1200 kg
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office