JANUS - A low cost approach for domestic communications missions

The JANUS multimission spacecraft has been designed with a communications payload for providing a minimized cost system for developing nations. The payload features 12 C-band transponders. Launch is performed piggy-back on the Ariane-4, followed by boost to heliosynchronous or GEO orbits. The configuration permits two satellites to be launched at once. The payload, a 3-axis stabilized spacecraft, has a mass of 55-125 kg and a projected lifetime of 7-10 yr, uses 10 N thrusters for stationkeeping and a reaction wheel for attitude control. The twelve 36 MHz channels, operating on a 6/4 GHz link, interface with small, distributed earth stations for telephonic, radio, telegraph, telex, data transmission and television functions. The satellite is also adaptable for governmental X-band communications with 30 voice channels.