# Superbird-C

> geostationary communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q16061323](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16061323)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superbird-C)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/superbird-c

## Summary  
Superbird-C is a Japanese geostationary communications satellite launched on July 28, 1997. It was deployed to provide telecommunications services from its fixed position in geostationary orbit. The satellite was launched using an Atlas II rocket from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36.

## Key Facts  
- Country of origin: Japan  
- Launch date: July 28, 1997  
- Launch site: Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36  
- Launch vehicle: Atlas II  
- Satellite class: Communications satellite  
- Orbit type: Geostationary orbit  
- COSPAR ID: 1997-036A  
- SCN (Spacecraft Number): 24880  
- Instance of: Communications satellite  
- Wikipedia languages: English, Portuguese  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is Superbird-C used for?  
A: Superbird-C is a geostationary communications satellite designed to facilitate telecommunications services. It operates from a fixed point above Earth’s equator, enabling continuous communication coverage over specific regions.

### Q: When was Superbird-C launched?  
A: Superbird-C was launched on July 28, 1997. The launch took place at Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36 using an Atlas II rocket.

### Q: Who developed or operated Superbird-C?  
A: Superbird-C was developed and operated by Japan. It is part of Japan's broader satellite communications infrastructure.

## Why It Matters  
Superbird-C plays a vital role in Japan’s satellite-based telecommunications infrastructure. As a geostationary satellite, it provides stable and reliable communication services over extended periods without requiring ground tracking adjustments. Its deployment contributed to expanding Japan’s capacity for broadcasting, data transmission, and other telecommunication needs during the late 1990s and beyond. Satellites like Superbird-C are essential components in global connectivity systems, supporting everything from television broadcasts to internet backbone services.

## Notable For  
- Being a key asset in Japan’s national satellite communications network  
- Launched via the reliable Atlas II expendable launch system  
- Positioned in geostationary orbit for consistent regional coverage  
- Assigned SCN 24880, identifying it within international spacecraft databases  
- One of several satellites in the Superbird series managed by Japan  

## Body  
### Overview  
Superbird-C is a Japanese geostationary communications satellite. It was built to support telecommunications functions from a stationary orbital position approximately 35,786 kilometers above Earth’s equator.

### Launch Details  
The satellite was successfully launched on **July 28, 1997**, from **Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36**. The launch vehicle used was the **Atlas II**, an American expendable launch system commonly employed for placing heavy payloads into geostationary transfer orbit.

### Technical Classification  
- **Instance Of**: Communications satellite  
- **Orbit Type**: Geostationary orbit  
- **Country**: Japan  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1997-036A  
- **SCN (Spacecraft Number)**: 24880  

### Operational Context  
As part of the Superbird program, Superbird-C contributes to Japan’s ability to deliver high-quality telecommunications services across the Asia-Pacific region. Its placement in geostationary orbit ensures uninterrupted service with minimal need for ground-based antenna repositioning.

### Related Entities  
- **Atlas II**: The launch vehicle responsible for deploying Superbird-C into space.  
- **Communications Satellite**: The broader category of artificial satellites that includes Superbird-C.  

### References  
Data sourced from Wikidata, Wikipedia, and academic references including Q6272367 and Q328.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report