Communications Satellite-2 (CS-2)

The communication satellites CS-2a and -2b were launched in February and August 1983 respectively, from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan, and are presently in commercial use. The article describes the planning, structural design, launching, tracking and control, and the commercial applications. The CS-2 carries subsystems such as communication, telemetry-command, attitude and antenna controls, secondary propulsion, apodic motor, casing, and heat control systems. The three-stage N-II rocket (for the CS-2) is capable of launching 350 kg satellites into geostationary satellite orbits. The CS-2 uses a quasi-millimeter wave antenna for communication to the mainland and a microwave antenna for communication between mainland and the remote islands.