Jupiter-3

Blog Credit: Trupti Thakur

Image Courtesy: Google

Jupiter-3

SpaceX, led by visionary entrepreneur Elon Musk, is set to make history once again by launching the world’s largest private satellite to space on July 27. The satellite, named JUPITER-3 and developed by Maxar Technologies, is a breakthrough in the field of communications satellites, boasting impressive size and cutting-edge technology.

Jupiter 3’s size will rival the wingspan of a commercial airliner, which can range from 130-160 feet. The satellite will support services such as in-flight Wi-Fi and augment private Wi-Fi usage with other wireless technologies.

Also known as Jupiter 3, this payload will be the heaviest satellite launched to a geostationary transfer orbit, massing 9.2 tonnes.

 Earth’s diameter is 11 times smaller than Jupiter, and 4 times larger than Europa. Jupiter’s mass is 318 times that of Earth; 2.5 times that of all the other planets in the Solar System combined. It is so massive that its barycentre with the Sun lies above the Sun’s surface at 1.068 solar radii from the Sun’s centre.

 In Short

• The launch Date and Time: 8:34 am IST on July 27
• It has been developed by Maxar Technologies in Palo Alto
• The satellite is expected to double the capacity of the company’s fleet

Elon Musk-led SpaceX will launch the world’s largest private satellite to space on Thursday. The satellite will lift-off aboard the company’s Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A in Florida.

This marks the seventh launch for SpaceX’s triple-booster rocket, Falcon Heavy, which first made headlines with its debut in 2018.

The launch is scheduled for 8:34â€ïam IST on July 27. In a departure from usual practice, SpaceX will expend its core booster in the Atlantic Ocean following the first-stage separation, rather than attempting a drone-ship landing at sea.

 SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy Rocket

SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket, known for its triple-booster design, will carry the JUPITER-3 satellite into space. This upcoming launch will signify the Falcon Heavy’s seventh mission, gaining widespread attention since its inaugural flight in 2018. The rocket has proven to be a reliable workhorse in the aerospace industry.

 

“Meet JUPITER-3: The Largest Commercial Communications Satellite”

JUPITER-3 is not just any ordinary satellite; it is the largest commercial communications satellite ever built. Developed by Maxar Technologies in Palo Alto, California, this satellite represents a major leap in satellite technology.

Impressive Size and Capabilities

Upon complete deployment, the JUPITER-3 satellite’s dimensions will resemble the wingspan of a commercial airliner, ranging from 130 to 160 feet (approximately 40 to 50 meters). Beyond its size, what sets JUPITER-3 apart are its advanced technological features and capabilities.

Enhancing Satellite Fleet Capacity

One of the primary aims of JUPITER-3 is to double the capacity of Maxar Technologies’ satellite fleet with an additional 500 Gbps. This substantial increase in capacity will enable the company to better serve customers, especially in regions where cable and fiber connectivity are unavailable or unreliable, such as in remote areas.

Wide-Ranging Applications

The JUPITER-3 satellite will cater to various communication needs. Its applications include supporting in-flight Wi-Fi, maritime connections, enterprise networks, backhaul for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), and Community Wi-Fi solutions across North and South America.

Technological Advances and Testing

JUPITER-3 features an updated technological architecture that allows for the miniaturization of electronics. It includes solid-state amplifiers and enhanced antenna efficiency. The satellite underwent rigorous vibration and temperature testing, including Thermal Vacuum Testing, to ensure its resilience in the extreme conditions of space.

 

Blog By: Trupti Thakur