Also called:
Japan Communications Satellite
("Sakura" is Japanese for cherry blossom)
Date of launch (location):
Dec. 15, 1977 (ETR)
Launch vehicle:
Delta 2914
Weight (kg):
340 (orbital)
Shape:
Cylindrical with horn-shaped
reflector-antenna mounted on one end.
Dimensions (m):
3.48 height
2.18 diameter
Power source:
Solar cells plus NiCd
batteries
NASA's role:
Launch vehicle (reimbursable)
Cooperating organizations:
NASA and Japanese National Space
Development Agency
Prime contractor:
Ford Aerospace for Mitsubishi
Electric Co.
Responsible NASA center:
Goddard Space Flight Center
Mission project engineer:
Robert J. Goss
Objectives:
To provide communications coverage
for the Japanese islands for three years.
Results:
Successful; third in series.
Reference: NASA, "Sakura Mission Operations Report," M-492-211-77-01, Dec. 14, 1977.