Communications transponder performance for Japanese Communications Satellite-2 and prospects for future systems

Progress in and Prospects of On-Board Communication Equipment Technologies for Communications Satellites in Japan

“…This contributed to a reduction in the Ka-band transponder weight of 20% compared to that of CS-2. The TWTA output power is double that of CS-2, and its electrical efficiency is approximately 8% higher by the use of technologies such as a two-stage collector configuration and impregnated cathode [4]. For CS-3, a C-band total solid-state transponder was realized [13], [14] based on the space verification of the GaAs FET power amplifier in ETS-IV.…”

“…Commercial Japanese interests launched two communications satellites (CS-2a and -2b) launched in 1983, which were succeeded by the CS-3a and -3b [3], [4] launched in February and September 1988. The on-board communication equipment on those satellites was developed using new technologies.…”