ETS-8
Jump to: Mission Objectives, Mission Instrumentation, Mission Parameters, Additional Information
Mission Photos:
Courtesy of JAXA
Mission Objectives:
The purpose of Engineering Test Satellite-8 (ETS-8/ETS-VIII) is to support development, experimentation and confirmation of large satellite bus technology, large-scale deployable antenna technology, mobile satellite communications system technology, mobile satellite digital multimedia broadcasting system technology and basic positioning technology using high-accuracy time standard devices. Launch of ETS-8 into geostationary orbit from the H-IIA launch vehicle occurred in December 2006. JAXA plans to conduct a time synchronization experiment for future positioning satellite technology, including a time synchronization experiment and time management using atomic clock onboard a ETS-8. The main objectives of this test satellite system are:
- Large satellite bus technology
- Large-scale deployable antenna technology
- Mobile satellite communications system technology
- Basic positioning technology
Mission Instrumentation:
ETS-8 as the following instrumentation onboard:
- Large-scale deployable reflector
- High-power transponder
- On-board processor
- High accuracy clock
- Laser retroreflector array
Mission Parameters:
| Sponsor: | (JAXA) Japan |
| Expected Life: | 3 years |
| Primary Applications: | experimental |
| COSPAR ID: | 0605901 |
| SIC Code: | 1579 |
| Satellite Catalog (NORAD) Number: | 29656 |
| Launch Date: | 16-Dec-2006 |
| RRA Diameter: | 1.6" |
| RRA Shape: | unknown |
| Reflectors: | 36 |
| Orbit: | geostationary |
| Inclination: | unknown |
| Eccentricity: | unknown |
| Perigee: | 36,000 km |
| Period: | 24 hours |
| Weight: | 2,800 kg |
Additional Information:
Web sites:
Publications:
- Nugent, D., "The ETS-VII Laser Retroreflector Array", Presentation to 12th International Workshop on Laser Ranging, Matera, Italy, November 13-17, 2000.
- Sawabe, M., T. Uchimura, A. Suzuki, H. Noda, "Laser Retroreflector Array of Geostationary Satellite, ETS-VIII", 14th International Laser Ranging Workshop, San Fernando, Spain, June 7-11, 2004.
- Nakamura, R. "SLR Tracking Standards for Engineering Test Satellite-VIII (ETS-VIII)", December 2006.
