26095 - SUPERBIRD-B2

Superbird 4 is a Japanese geosynchronous communications spacecraft that was launched by an Ariane 44 rocket from Kourou at 01:04 UT. The 4.1-ton spacecraft carries 23 Ku-band (80 W), and six Ka-band (50 W) transponders to provide business communications to Japan and Asia-Pacific countries, after parking over 162-E longitude. Its thrusters employ a xenon ion propulsion (XIPS) system.

Facts in Brief

Launch Date: 2000-02-18
Launch Vehicle: Ariane
Launch Site: Kourou, French Guiana