Mitsubishi Electric has announced it has completed the final handover of Superbird-7 (C2)1, which is the first Japan-made commercial communications satellite and also the next-generation communications satellite for SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation. Mitsubishi Electric will provide full operational support during its life span.
1 Superbird-7 will succeed the operations of Superbird-C, currently run by SKY Perfect JSAT. After Superbird-7 starts its operations, it will be renamed as Superbird-C2.
Superbird-7 uses Mitsubishi Electric's original DS2000 satellite bus platform, and the company has managed the project entirely from the design of the satellite to its production and launch, including the installation of satellite control equipment and final extensive in-orbit testing prior to the final handover to the customer.
On August 15, 2008 (Japan time), the satellite was successfully launched from Guiana Space Center, French Guiana using Arianespace's launch vehicle, Ariane 5.
After Superbird-7 was positioned into stationary orbit 36,000 kilometers above ground level, Mitsubishi Electric has conducted in-orbit testing of the satellite. The company has now completed all the required tests and completed its final handover to SKY Perfect JSAT.
Utilizing the experiences gained on this project, Mitsubishi Electric intends to expand its commercial satellite business.
