BSAT-3a

BSAT-3a was designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin on the A2100 satellite bus for B-SAT. It had a launch mass of 1,980 kilograms (4,370 lb), a dry mass of 927 kilograms (2,044 lb), and a 13-year design life.^[3] As most satellites based on the A2100 platform, it uses a 460 newtons (100 lb_f) LEROS-1C LAE for orbit raising.^[4]

It measured 3.8 by 1.9 by 1.9 metres (12.5 ft × 6.2 ft × 6.2 ft) when stowed for launch. Its dual wing solar panels can generate 2.8 kW of power at the end of its design life, and span 14.65 metres (48.1 ft) when fully deployed.^[3]

It has a single K_u-band payload with 8 active transponders plus four spares with a TWTA output power of 130 watts.^[2]

On 19 June 2007, Lockheed announced that it was poised to deliver BSAT-3a on the third quarter of 2007, with another Japanese spacecraft, JCSAT-11. BSAT-3a was the sixth broadcasting satellite procured by B-SAT.^[9]

On 10 August 2007, Lockheed announced that BSAT-3a was mated to the launcher and ready for its ride to orbit.^[10] It launched at 23:44 UTC, on 14 August 2007 aboard an Ariane 5 ECA from Centre Spatial Guyanais ELA-3 launch pad.^[1] It rode on the lower berth under the SYLDA with Spaceway-3.^[11] The first signals from the satellite were received one hour later, at 00:46 UTC on 15 August 2007. It also marked the 33rd launch of the A2100 platform.^[12]

It was entered into service on 1 October 2007 after successfully passing the on-orbit deployment and checkout phase.^[2][13]