Measat-3b (Jabiru 2)

Image: Measat/Airbus Defence and Space
Image: Measat/Airbus Defence and Space
Image: Measat/Airbus Defence and Space
Image: Measat/Airbus Defence and Space

Measat-3b is a commercial communications satellite built by Airbus Defence and Space for operation by MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn. Bhd. of Malaysia. A portion of the satellite’s all-KU-Band communications payload will be leased to Australian satellite operator NewSat Ltd. to be marketed under the name Jabiru 2.

The Measat-3b satellite is based on the flight-proven Eurostar E-3000 platform that is capable of hosting powerful communications payloads with a payload power exceeding 10,000 Watts. The satellite weighs 5,897 Kilograms at liftoff and is 6.6 by 2.8 by 2.3 meters in dimensions in its stowed config.

The satellite platform consists of a central cylinder which facilitates the propellant tanks for the bi-propellant propulsion system. The cylinder consists of several segments connected via ring-joints. Internal composite panels are mounted to the cylinder to facilitate the external panels and provide mounting platforms for the various satellite components.

The satellite is equipped with two power-generating solar arrays, each consisting of four panels plus an Attitude Determination and Control System Flap that assists in spacecraft attitude control using solar pressure, thus saving onboard resources. The solar arrays deliver 16kW of electrical power that is distributed by dedicated avionics and stored in batteries for use during night passes. A dedicated bi-propellant propulsion system will be used for apogee maneuvers and stationkeeping maneuvers in Geostationary Orbit. E-3000 provides the option of adding an electric propulsion system.

Measat-3b is three-axis stabilized featuring a state of the art navigation system. The satellite provides precise Earth-pointing capabilities.

The communications payload of the satellite consists of 48 Ku-Band transponders, each with a traveling-wave tube amplifier power of 150 Watts. The powerful Ku-payload enables Measat-3b to contribute to the Measat broadcasting concept from an orbital position of 91.5 degrees East.

The satellite is capable of delivering large capacity and flexibility over four geographical locations – Malaysia, Indonesia and India for Measat and Australia for NewSat. In the Australian market, the satellite is known as Jabiru 2.

The spacecraft will provide an expansion to video and data services over the course of a 15-year primary mission.