Superbird-B3
| Industry | Satellite communications |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Communications satellites, satellite services |
Superbird-B3, formerly referred to as Superbird-8 and designated DSN-1 (also known as Kirameki-1 for its defense-related payload), is a geostationary communications satellite operated by the SKY Perfect JSAT Group and manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric utilizing the DS2000 satellite platform.
This satellite takes over from Superbird-B2 at the orbital position of 162° East, delivering services in both the Ku-band and Ka-band frequencies across Japan. Moreover, it serves as one of the two intended X-band military satellites within the DSN network, identified specifically as DSN-1 (Kirameki-1).
Although initially planned for deployment on an Ariane 5 ECA rocket toward the end of fiscal year 2015, damage incurred during transportation in March 2016 postponed the launch by nearly two years.
History
The joint venture DSN Corporation was established by JSAT, in collaboration with NEC, NTT Com, and Maeda Corporation. On 15 January 2013, DSN secured a contract from Japan's Ministry of Defense to enhance and manage the military X-band satellite system through a private finance initiative. The agreement involved constructing and launching two satellites, upgrading ground infrastructure, and overseeing operations from fiscal years 2015 until 2030. The entire program was projected to cost approximately ¥122 billion.
The initial satellite launch was scheduled for December 2015, with operational readiness expected by March 2016; the second was planned for launch in January 2017 and to commence service in March 2017, continuing through March 2031. JSAT is responsible for procurement activities and overall satellite administration. DSN-1 is integrated as an additional payload aboard JSAT’s Superbird-8, whereas DSN-2 is designed as a standalone spacecraft.
On 25 April 2014, JSAT commissioned Mitsubishi Electric to build Superbird-8 on the DS2000 platform to succeed Superbird-B2 at the 162° East slot. Upon delivery to the launch facility, deformation of its container was detected. In July 2016, it was disclosed that an incident during air transport on 25 May 2016 caused damage due to overpressurization linked to a blocked bleed valve, resulting in an approximate two-year delay in launch.
See also
- DS2000 – Satellite bus architecture used for Superbird-C2
- SKY PerfecTV! – Satellite television branch of the parent company and major user of Superbird-C2