ETS-9 (Engineering Test Satellite 9)
JAXA - Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
ETS-9 (Engineering Test Satellite 9), designated Hikari, is a next-generation geostationary communications and technology demonstration satellite developed by JAXA. The mission aims to validate advanced technologies for future high-capacity geostationary satellites, including a large deployable antenna, an electric propulsion system for station-keeping and orbit raising, and advanced signal processing for mobile and broadband communications. ETS-9 […]
Technical specifications
- Orbit
- Geostationary
- Propulsion type
- All-electric
- Primary purpose
- Technology demonstration
- Antenna type
- Large deployable reflector
About
ETS-9 (Engineering Test Satellite 9), designated Hikari, is a next-generation geostationary communications and technology demonstration satellite developed by JAXA. The mission aims to validate advanced technologies for future high-capacity geostationary satellites, including a large deployable antenna, an electric propulsion system for station-keeping and orbit raising, and advanced signal processing for mobile and broadband communications. ETS-9 incorporates a flexible solar array and an all-electric propulsion approach which significantly reduces the satellite launch mass by eliminating heavy chemical propellant tanks. The mission serves as a technology bridge, enabling Japan commercial satellite industry to adopt next-generation capabilities such as high-throughput communications and software-defined payloads. Upon validation, these technologies are expected to be transferred to commercial geostationary satellite operators, enhancing Japan competitiveness in the global communications satellite market.
Documentation
No public datasheet yet — request the datasheet / ICD from the supplier.
