Mitsubishi Electric developed the DS2000 standard satellite platform based on a design originally created for the DRTS and ETS-8 platforms for NASDA. The DS2000 features a highly reliable design and production based upon experience derived from participation in more than 280 satellite projects. It was capable of providing an output of up to 15kW, satisfying the power requirements for powerful and multiple communications transponders. At the same time its flexible design matched a variety of applications including hybrid communications payloads.

Leading characteristics:

• Satellite Power Up to 15kW
• Launch Mass 5,000 kg
• Transponders 72 (nominal)
• Life 15yr
• Launch Vehicle Compatibility: H-2A, Ariane V, Delta IV, Atlas 5, Sea Launch
• Subsystems
  • Electrical Power System: 100V regulated dual bus with high-efficiency silicon, multijunction GaAs solar array and NiH2 or Li-Ion batteries
  • Onboard Control System: Attitude control, data handling and satellite management
  • Attitude Control: Controlled bias momentum or zero momentum with satellite controller (SC) and four skew reaction wheels
  • Telemetry Tracking & Command: 1553B interface with SC
  • Structure: Carbon-fiber reinforced plastic, central cylinder type
  • Thermal Control: Heat pipe embedded payload panel, OSR, blanket and heater
  • Propulsion: Integrated Bi-propellant system with apogee and attitude control thrusters. Ion engine available on request.

Length: 4.00 m (13.10 ft). Basic Diameter: 4.00 m (13.10 ft). Maximum Diameter: 6.00 m (19.60 ft). Span: 30.00 m (98.00 ft). Mass: 5,000 kg (11,000 lb). Main Engine Thrust: 500 N (110 lbf).

• 2006 February 18 - MTSAT-2 - Launch Site: Tanegashima. Launch Vehicle: H-2A. Mass: 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). Perigee: 35,771 km (22,227 mi). Apogee: 35,803 km (22,246 mi). Inclination: 0.00 deg. Period: 1,436.10 min.

  Multifunctional Transport Satellite. An aeronautical payload provided communications relay between aircraft and air traffic control; GPS augmentation navigation for aircraft; and transmitted the location of aircraft to air traffic control. A Japan Advanced Meteorological Imager weather camera had one visible and four infrared channels. MTSAT-2 was built by Mitsubishi using the new DS2000 bus. As of 2007 Mar 8 located at 144.93E drifting at 0.016W degrees per day.