In 1970, Hughes Aircraft Company (HAC) Space and Communications Group offered the first standardized satellite: the HS 333 design. A spinning satellite, it was based on previous one-design satellites like Intelsat I. HAC built eight of these 300 watt, 12 channel single antenna satellites between 1970 and 1977.Hughes Aircraft Corporation, Space and Communications Group, SBS F6 Prime sales brochure, 1985
Design The early satellites were designed with cylindrical bodies to maximize the size of the satellite that could fit inside of the rocket's nose cone or fairing which was also round. The early design satellites also relied on spinning at about 30 rpm for stability in orbit. The spinning satellite is a gyroscope.
Several parallel decks, including the top and bottom, were used to mount the propulsion, attitude control, communication, Telemetry & Command (T&C), and power equipment. The upper deck or top of the satellite contained the payload antenna and the T&C antenna.
The outer surface of the cylindrical body was covered with solar cells to generate power for operating the satellite's electrical equipment. Batteries provide power during an eclipse when the satellite is in the shadow of the Earth. The batteries are recharged by excess power from the solar array.
The HS 333 was 1.8 m (6 ft) in diameter and nominally 3.3 m (11 ft) high. The solar array and batteries provided sufficient power over the satellite's 7-year design life to power the 190 W payload and 233 W spacecraft equipment. The payload contributed 54 kg (119 lb) of the HS 333's 146 kg (542 lb) dry mass.
Satellites Eight HS-333 satellites were launched from 1972 to 1979: SatelliteOperatorLaunch date(UTC)Carrier rocketMassLongitudeRetirementRemarks Anik A1 Telesat Canada 01:14:03 Delta 1914 104°W114°W Anik A2 Telesat Canada 23:47:03 Delta 1914 109°W Westar 1 Western Union 23:33:03 Delta 2914 99°W Westar 2 Western Union 23:53:00 Delta 2914 125°W Anik A3 Telesat Canada 23:35:26 Delta 2914 104°W115°W Palapa A1 Perumtel 23:31 Delta 2914 83°E Palapa A2 Perumtel 23:16 Delta 2914 77°E Westar 3 Western Union 00:20 Delta 2914 91°W
References
See also Comparison of satellite buses