ETS-VIII


Engineering Test Satellite ETS-VIII is the eighth technology test satellite in a series which started with ETS-1 in 1975 by NASDA. It was launched with the H-2A on December 18, 2006.
ETS-VIII was developed by JAXA in cooperation with NICT and NTT.
The aim of ETS-VIII is to enable satellite communications with small terminals. Unlike the Iridium satellites for mobile communication, ETS-VIII is positioned at GEO.
However to fulfill the task the satellite must carry two very large antennas. It was the first use of the 204 configuration of the H-IIA launch vehicle.

Timetable