Satellite broadcasting experiments of BSE

The Japanese Medium-scale Broadcasting Satellite for Experimental Purpose (BSE) was launched successfully on 8 April 1978 JST. The BSE was stationed on 26 April at the predetermined geostationary orbit position, 110° E longitude. After the initial check of the satellite function, various kinds of satellite broadcasting experiments started on 20 July 1978. Most parts of experimental items planned in the BSE program have been carried into operation. This paper describes the BSE mission objectives, spacecraft and ground systems configurations and some results of the BSE experiments which have been obtained up to the present along with a brief description of future experiment plan.