# B-SAT 2B > 26864 **Wikidata**: [Q111497637](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111497637) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/b-sat-2b ## Summary B-SAT 2B is an artificial satellite launched by the Japanese satellite broadcasting company B-SAT Corporation, designed for Ku-band broadcasting services over Japan. It is part of a series of satellites used to enhance direct-to-home television broadcasting capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. ## Key Facts - **Classification**: Artificial satellite (instance_of: artificial satellite) - **Orbit Type**: Geostationary - **Purpose**: Broadcasting and data relay for television services - **Operator**: B-SAT Corporation - **Service Region**: Japan and surrounding Asia-Pacific region - **Launch Date**: Launched on June 10, 2001 - **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas IIAS - **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral, Florida - **International Designator**: 2001-025A - **NORAD Catalog Number**: 26864 - **Mission Life**: Approximately 15 years - **Primary Function**: Provides Ku-band high-definition television broadcasting services - **Notable For**: First commercial satellite operated by B-SAT Corporation under its new ownership structure post-2000 ## FAQs ### Q: What is B-SAT 2B used for? A: B-SAT 2B is a geostationary communications satellite used primarily for broadcasting high-definition television services in Japan. It supports direct-to-home (DTH) satellite television services, delivering content via Ku-band transmission. ### Q: Who operates B-SAT 2B? A: B-SAT 2B is operated by B-SAT Corporation, a company established in Japan to provide satellite-based broadcasting services. The satellite was developed as part of the company's infrastructure to support digital broadcasting. ### Q: When was B-SAT 2B launched, and what rocket was used? A: B-SAT 2B was launched on June 10, 2001, using an Atlas IIAS rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Its launch was designated under the international identifier 2001-025A. ### Q: What makes B-SAT 2B significant in the history of Japanese broadcasting? A: B-SAT 2B was one of the early satellites developed specifically to support digital satellite broadcasting in Japan. It played a key role in the transition to high-definition television services and helped establish Japan's modern satellite broadcasting infrastructure. ### Q: How long was B-SAT 2B expected to remain operational? A: The satellite had an estimated mission life of 15 years, aligning with standard practices for commercial communications satellites of its class. ## Why It Matters B-SAT 2B is significant for its role in modernizing Japan's satellite broadcasting infrastructure at the start of the 21st century. As one of the first dedicated high-definition broadcasting satellites in the region, it enabled the delivery of advanced television services directly to consumers. Its deployment marked a strategic step by B-SAT Corporation to meet the growing demand for high-quality digital content. The satellite also represents a key milestone in the commercialization of Japan's space-based broadcasting sector, supporting both public and private television networks with reliable, high-capacity transmission services. Its success laid the groundwork for future satellite-based media delivery systems in the country. ## Notable For - **Pioneering HD Broadcasting in Japan**: One of the first satellites developed specifically for high-definition television services in Japan. - **Commercial Impact**: Enabled the expansion of direct-to-home satellite television services, increasing consumer access to digital content. - **Geostationary Positioning**: Positioned at 110° East, optimizing coverage for Japan and surrounding regions. - **Longevity and Reliability**: Operated for its full planned mission life, demonstrating the viability of commercial satellite broadcasting systems. - **Technological Integration**: Supported the transition from analog to digital broadcasting in Japan, aligning with national media modernization goals. ## Body ### History B-SAT 2B was launched on June 10, 2001, as part of Japan's initiative to modernize its satellite broadcasting infrastructure. The satellite was developed by B-SAT Corporation, a joint venture involving major Japanese media and technology companies, to support high-definition television services. It was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, using an Atlas IIAS rocket, under the international identifier 2001-025A. The satellite was designed with a 15-year mission life and was positioned in a geostationary orbit at 110° East, providing optimal coverage for Japan. Its deployment was a key part of Japan's broader digital broadcasting strategy, enabling direct-to-home satellite television services for both public and private broadcasters. ### Technical Specifications - **Orbit**: Geostationary at 110° East - **Frequency Band**: Ku-band - **Mission Life**: 15 years - **Launch Mass**: Approximately 4,600 kg - **Power Output**: 11.6 kW at beginning of life - **Transponders**: 24 active C-band and Ku-band transponders - **Manufacturer**: Lockheed Martin - **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas IIAS ### Operational Role B-SAT 2B was primarily used for broadcasting services, including high-definition television, to homes across Japan. It played a central role in the delivery of digital content and supported both NHK and commercial broadcasters. The satellite's positioning and capabilities allowed it to serve as a backbone for direct-to-home satellite television services, especially during the transition from analog to digital broadcasting in the early 2000s. ### Ownership and Management - **Operator**: B-SAT Corporation - **Ownership Structure**: Joint venture between: - NHK (Japan's national broadcaster) - WOWOW (Premium television service) - Other Japanese media and technology stakeholders - **Mission Control**: B-SAT Corporation's facility in Japan ### Legacy and Impact B-SAT 2B significantly contributed to the development of Japan's satellite broadcasting infrastructure. Its successful operation enabled the delivery of high-definition content directly to consumers, supporting the country's transition to digital television. The satellite also demonstrated the viability of commercial broadcasting satellites in the Asia-Pacific region, influencing future developments in satellite-based media delivery. ### Related Entities - **B-SAT Corporation**: Parent company responsible for the satellite's operation and management. - **Lockheed Martin**: Manufacturer of the satellite. - **Atlas IIAS**: Launch vehicle used for deployment. - **NHK and WOWOW**: Key stakeholders in B-SAT Corporation and users of the satellite's services. - **Cape Canaveral**: Launch site for the satellite. - **International Designator 2001-025A**: Official catalog number assigned to the satellite. ### Service and Decommissioning B-SAT 2B remained operational for its full 15-year mission life, providing continuous broadcasting services until its decommissioning in 2016. It was replaced by newer satellites in the B-SAT fleet to maintain service continuity and improve capacity.