Mission type Communication Mission duration 13 years Launch mass 4,057 kg Launch date 18 February 2000 Bus Boeing 601 | COSPAR ID 2000-012A Manufacturer Hughes Launch mass 4,057 kg Rocket Ariane 4 | |
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Names Superbird-4 (1995 to Jul 1997)Superbird-B2 (Jul 1997 onward) Operator SCCSKY Perfect JSAT Group Similar Superbird‑C2, JCSAT‑5A, JCSAT‑2A, N‑SAT‑110, Optus D3 | ||
Superbird-B2, also known by its pre-launch designation Superbird-4, is a Japanese communications satellite which is operated by SKY Perfect JSAT Group. It was originally built and launched for the Space Communications Corporation, which merged with JSAT in October 2008. It was constructed by Hughes and is based on the HS-601HP satellite bus. Launch occurred on 18 February 2000, at 01:04 GMT. The launch was contracted by Arianespace, and used an Ariane 4 44LP-3 carrier rocket flying from ELA-2 at the Guiana Space Centre.
It is primarily used to transmit what its operators describe as "area information", and provide a backup VSAT system to Japanese local government.
Following its launch and on-orbit testing, it was placed in geostationary orbit at 162° East, from where it provides communications services to Japan. It is equipped with thirty five transponders.
Currently, the J-Alert emergency warning system is broadcast via Superbird-B2.