COMETS (Communications and Broadcasting Experimental Test Satellite) is a Japanese communications satellite launched by NASDA (National Space Development Agency); it is also known by the national name Kakehashi ("bridge"). COMETS carries Ka-band communications and intersatellite data relay payloads (see frequency bands). Although premature shutdown 44 seconds into the H-2 second stage burn put the satellite into a much lower orbit than intended, the onboard Unified Propulsion System was able to raise the orbit to a more useful height.

 

The routine opertional phase of COMETS was bought to an end on 31 January 1999, and an extcnded phase started. NASDA terminated the satellite's operation on 6 August 1999.

 

launch date	Feb 21, 1998
launch vehicle	H-2
launch site	Tanegashima
orbit	479 × 17,710 km × 30.1°