ETS 6

Japan

International Sat. n°:

Japanese satellite n°: 72

Also called Kiku 6

Launch data:

Designation	23230 / 94056A
Launch date	28 Aug 1994 at 22:10 UT
Launch site	Tanegashima
Launch vehicle	H-2
Mission	Communications, experimental
Geostationary orbit	was expected in 153.8°E slot

Was designed to demonstrate amongst other things ion propulsion and liquid bi-propellant GEO orbit insertion. The payload would have supported mobile communications and inter satellite communication at radio and laser frequencies in preparation for Data Relay and Tracking Satellite systems.

In mid-1995 it was reported than successful intersatellite communication had taken place with UARS. Later in early 1996 bidirectionel laser communications between JPL and the satellite were carried out.

Specifications

Prime contractor	Toshiba
Platform	Mitsubishi
Mass at launch	3800 kg
Mass in orbit	2000 kg
Dimension	3.0 x 2.0 x 2.8 m
Solar array	30 m span
Stabilization	3-axis
Design lifetime	2 years

End of life

Out of service	28 Aug 1994
Cause	Unable to reach GEO: a valve controlling the ergol input in the apogee kick motor (LAPS) was blocked

S-band

Main transponders	1
Power	100 W
Bandwidth	20 MHz forward/10 MHz return
Coverage	5 spot beams
EIRP max	31.5 dBW
Polarization

C-band

Main transponders	4
Power	8 W
Bandwidth	35 MHz
Coverage
EIRP max	35 dBW
Polarization

Ka-band (20/30 GHz)

Main transponders	6
Power	10 W (TWTA)
Bandwidth	120 MHz forward/30 MHz return
Coverage
EIRP max	48 dBW
Polarization

O-band (38/43 GHz)

Main transponders	1
Power	10 W (TWTA)
Bandwidth
Coverage
EIRP max
Polarization

Ref.: #15 - update: 23.05.09

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