ARSAT-3K


ARSAT-3K is a geostationary communications satellite bus designed and manufactured by INVAP of Argentina for the local telecommunication company ARSAT S.A.. It is a small three axis stabilized platform designed, manufactured and tested completely in Argentina. It is capable of carrying up to of payload with a maximum power consumption of 3.4 kW at the end of life. It currently uses only chemical propulsion, but an hybrid solution which would use bi-propellant propulsion for orbit raising and electric propulsion for station keeping is being developed. A purely electric propulsion version is planned.

Platform Versions

ARSAT-3K

The ARSAT-3K is the initial version of this bus. It is comparable to the Thales Alenia Space Spacebus 3000B2. It uses an integrated chemical propulsion system supplied by EADS Astrium for both orbit raising and station keeping.

ARSAT-3H

The ARSAT-3H is the second version of this bus, which initiated its development during 2015. It will use an hybrid approach with bi-propellant propulsion for orbit raising and electric propulsion for station keeping.
It will keep the launch mass of, but have enhanced capabilities, being able to carry a of payload with a maximum power consumption of 7 kW at the end of its design life.

ARSAT-3E

The ARSAT-3E will be the third version of the platform. It will use electric propulsion exclusively. It will keep the payload and power envelope of the ARSAT-3H while applying the improvements to cost and weight reduction.

List of satellites

The Argentine Geostationary Satellite Plan 2015-2035 establishes a roadmap for the platform development until 2035.
SatelliteBusPayloadOrbital PositionLaunchStatus
ARSAT-1ARSAT-3KKu band71.8° West
ARSAT-2ARSAT-3KKu band and C Band81° West
ARSAT-3ARSAT-3KKa band81° West2020
Chemical 2ARSAT-3KKa bandTBATBA