BSat 2a [OSC]
Official name BSAT-2B
Alternative name BSAT 2b
Cospar ID 2001-029B
Norad ID 26864
Launch date 2001-07-12
Launch site FRGUI
Launch vehicle Ariane-5G
Country/Organization Japan
Type application Communication
Operator Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT)
RCS size LARGE
Decay date 2014-01-28
Shape Box + 2 Pan
Mass (kg) 1298
Height (m) 3.8
Width (m) 2.2
Depth (m) 2.2
Span (m^2) 15.7
Lifetime 10-years (fueled for over 11.5 years)
Contractors Orbital Sciences Corporation (OSC)
Equipment 4 active high-power Ku-band transponders
Propulsion Star-30CBP
Configuration Star-1
Power 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

In November 1998, following an open international competition, Japan's Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT) selected Orbital to construct and launch two geosynchronous direct-to-home TV broadcast satellites. The BSAT-2a and -2b satellites were designed to provide direct-to-home digital high-definition television throughout Japan, relaying channels at higher resolution and in a wider-screen format than traditional analog systems.

BSAT-2a was launched in March 2001 and is providing broadcasting service. Upon completion of checkout, systems were functioning nominally. BSAT-2b, which was launched in July 2001, and intended to serve as on-orbit backup, was placed into an unusable incorrect orbit by an Ariane 5 rocket.

In another vote of confidence in Orbital's ability to deliver reliable, cost-effective GEO satellites, B-SAT awarded Orbital the contract for the slightly modified BSAT-2c, the replacement for BSAT-2b, in September 2001.

Satellite COSPAR Date LS Launch Vehicle Remarks
BSAT-2A 2001-011B 2001-03-08 FRGUI Ariane-5G with Eurobird 1
BSAT-2B 2001-029B 2001-07-12 FRGUI Ariane-5G with Artemis