# Superbird-B3

> Japanese geostationary communication satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q18486192](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18486192)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superbird-B3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/superbird-b3

## Summary
Superbird-B3 is a Japanese geostationary communication satellite that provides telecommunications services.

## Key Facts
- It is a Japanese geostationary communication satellite.
- Launched on April 5, 2018, at 21:34:07 UTC from ELA-3 using an Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle.
- Has a launch weight of 5348 kilograms.
- Operated by DSN Corporation.
- Replaced Superbird-B2 and was followed by DSN-3.
- Uses the DS2000 spacecraft bus, with NEC Space Technologies as the prime contractor and Mitsubishi Electric as a subcontractor for the bus.
- Powered by a spacecraft solar array and R-4D systems.
- Its COSPAR ID is 2018-033A.

### FAQs
### Q: What is Superbird-B3?
A: Superbird-B3 is a Japanese geostationary communication satellite that provides telecommunications services.

### Q: When and how was Superbird-B3 launched?
A: It was launched on April 5, 2018, at 21:34:07 UTC from ELA-3 using an Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle.

### Q: Who operates Superbird-B3?
A: DSN Corporation operates Superbird-B3.

## Why It Matters
Superbird-B3 plays a critical role in Japan's telecommunications infrastructure by providing geostationary orbit-based communication services. As a geostationary satellite, it remains fixed relative to a point on Earth, enabling consistent and reliable telecommunications coverage for Japan and surrounding regions. This stability is essential for applications such as broadcasting, data transmission, and emergency communications, addressing the need for continuous connectivity without the latency or coverage gaps associated with non-geostationary systems. Its deployment also represents a continuation of Japan's investment in domestic satellite technology, ensuring national communication capabilities and supporting economic and social activities that rely on robust telecommunications networks.

## Notable For
- It is the successor to Superbird-B2 and the predecessor to DSN-3 in Japan's geostationary communications satellite series.
- It uses the DS2000 spacecraft bus, a common platform for Japanese communications satellites, with NEC Space Technologies as the prime contractor and Mitsubishi Electric as a subcontractor for the bus.
- Its launch on April 5, 2018, marked a key event in Japan's satellite communications infrastructure, replacing the earlier Superbird-B2 satellite.

## Body
### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 5348 kilograms (launch weight).
- **Spacecraft Bus**: DS2000, manufactured by NEC Space Technologies (prime contractor) and Mitsubishi Electric (subcontractor for the spacecraft bus).
- **Power**: Powered by a spacecraft solar array and R-4D systems.
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit, with COSPAR ID 2018-033A and NSSDCA ID 2018-033A.

### Launch and Orbit
- **Launch Date/Time**: April 5, 2018, at 21:34:07 UTC.
- **Launch Site**: ELA-3.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5 ECA (VA242).
- **Orbit Type**: Geostationary orbit, maintaining a fixed position relative to Earth's surface.

### Operational Details
- **Operator**: DSN Corporation.
- **Aliases**: Superbird-8, DSN-1, Kirameki-1, SUPERBird 8, DSN 1.
- **Country of Origin**: Japan.

### Relationships
- **Preceded**: Superbird-B2.
- **Succeeded By**: DSN-3.
- **Classifications**: Communications satellite and geostationary satellite.

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  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Superbird-B3",
  "description": "Japanese geostationary communication satellite",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superbird-B3"]
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/dsn-1_superbird-8.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report