BSE on orbit performance

The medium-scale Broadcasting Satellite for Experimental Purposes (BSE) was planned by Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MOPT) and developed by the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) since 1974. This report presents the on-orbit flight performance of the BSE, named Yuri, with emphasis on its station keeping experience and in-flight attitude control performance. The disturbance torque characteristics during steady-state and during E-W and N-S station keeping are illustrated. Spacecraft stabilization performances during particular periods such as wheel unloading, wheel zero crossing, sun interference, and station keeping are described. Performances have been favorable to date, although some malfunctions of wheel and thrusters have been experienced.