Superbird-B2

Superbird-B2

Mission type	Communication
Operator	SCC JSAT Corporation
COSPAR ID	2000-012A
Mission duration	13 years
Spacecraft properties
Bus	HS-601HP
Manufacturer	Hughes
Launch mass	4,057 kilograms (8,944 lb)
Start of mission
Launch date	18 February 2000 (2000-02-18)
Rocket	Ariane 44LP-3
Launch site	Kourou ELA-2
Contractor	Arianespace
Orbital parameters
Reference system	Geocentric
Regime	Geostationary
Longitude	162° East

Superbird-B2, also known by its pre-launch designation Superbird-4, is a Japanese communications satellite which is operated by JSAT Corporation. It was originally built and launched for the Space Communications Corporation, which merged with JSAT in October 2008. It was constructed by Hughes and is based on the HS-601HP satellite bus. Launch occurred on 18 February 2000, at 01:04 GMT. The launch was contracted by Arianespace, and used an Ariane 4 44LP-3 carrier rocket flying from ELA-2 at the Guiana Space Centre.

It is primarily used to transmit what its operators describe as "area information", and provide a backup VSAT system to Japanese local government.

Following its launch and on-orbit testing, it was placed in geostationary orbit at 162° East, from where it provides communications services to Japan. It is equipped with thirty five transponders.

Currently, the J-Alert emergency warning system is broadcast via Superbird-B2.