Nigcomsat-1, the First Export Commercial Communications Satellite of China
- Paper number
IAC-06-B3.4.08
- Author
Mr. Min Wang, China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), China
- Coauthor
Mr. Zhicheng Zhou, China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), China
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Nigcomsat-1 satellite is the first export commercial communications satellite of China. The purchase contract was signed between the Nigeria National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and the Chinese Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) in December 15th, 2004. It opens the new page of China’s export satellite the history. Nigcomsat-1 satellite is a commercial communications satellite with high requirements. It will fulfill the urgent needs of the communications, broadcasting, navigation and data transferring in Nigeria. It will also serve the ECOWAS countries. This satellite is based on the large satellite platform – DFH-4 platform which was developed independently. The satellite used the GaAs/Ge Cells solar array, NiH2 batteries and 100 Volts primary bus. The satellite adopts the on board data management system to automatically control the units temperature and the battery charge and discharge. The satellite uses the V-type biased momentum wheels and on board computer to increase the attitude control precision. The payload includes four types of frequency bands: Ku band, C band, L band and Ka band. It utilizes the 150 Watts high power Ku band TWTAs and deployable shaped dual-reflector antennas with maximum aperture of 3.0 meters. It totally consists of 28 active transponders and 7 communications antennas. The lift-off mass of the satellite is 5150 kilograms. The output power can reach 8000 Watts in EOL. The service life will be 15 years. The satellite will be launched by CZ-3B in Xichang Launch Center. While the delivery duration is only 24 months. It is the most severe requirement compared with the average delivery duration of 30 months of the large communication satellites. To finish the work in time, the maximum optimization of the development plan was considered and performed. The heritage of the platform was completely reserved. The difficulty of payload work was fully considered and focused. The satellite is separated to payload and platform and each one can operate independently. Up to now, the finished work includes the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and the Critical Design Review (CDR). The performance test (SPT1) will start immediately. This paper introduces the design of the Nigcomsat-1 satellite in detail. It also introduces the satellite development plan and the progress. More importantly, it records a significant step of China aerospace and exhibits the great achievements of China aerospace.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-B3.4.08.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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