The purpose of Engineering Test Satellite-8 (ETS-8/ETS-VIII) is to support development, experimentation and confirmation of large satellite bus technology, large-scale deployable antenna technology, mobile satellite communications system technology, mobile satellite digital multimedia broadcasting system technology and basic positioning technology using high-accuracy time standard devices. Launch of ETS-8 into geostationary orbit from the H-IIA launch vehicle occurred in December 2006. JAXA plans to conduct a time synchronization experiment for future positioning satellite technology, including a time synchronization experiment and time management using atomic clock onboard a ETS-8. The main objectives of this test satellite system are:

Large satellite bus technology
Large-scale deployable antenna technology
Mobile satellite communications system technology
Basic positioning technology

Mission Instrumentation:

ETS-8 as the following instrumentation onboard:

Large-scale deployable reflector
High-power transponder
On-board processor
High accuracy clock
Laser retroreflector array

Mission Parameters:

ETS-VIII Parameters
Sponsor:	(JAXA) Japan
Expected Life:	3 years
Primary Applications:	experimental
COSPAR ID:	0605901
SIC Code:	1579
NORAD SSC Code:	29656
Launch Date:	16-Dec-2006
RRA Diameter:	1.6"
RRA Shape:	unknown
Reflectors:	36
Orbit:	geostationary
Inclination:	unknown
Eccentricity:	unknown
Perigee:	36,000 km
Period:	24 hours
Weight:	2,800 kg

Additional Information:

Web sites:

JAXA: Engineering Test Satellite VIII "KIKU No.8"(ETS-VIII)

Publications:

Nugent, D., "The ETS-VII Laser Retroreflector Array", Presentation to 12th International Workshop on Laser Ranging, Matera, Italy, November 13-17, 2000.
Sawabe, M., T. Uchimura, A. Suzuki, H. Noda, "Laser Retroreflector Array of Geostationary Satellite, ETS-VIII", 14th International Laser Ranging Workshop, San Fernando, Spain, June 7-11, 2004.
Nakamura, R. "SLR Tracking Standards for Engineering Test Satellite-VIII (ETS-VIII)", December 2006.