Bangabandhu Satellite-1 (BS-1) | Perspective| SWOT analysis

The Bangabandhu Satellite-1 (BS-1) is the first Bangladeshi geostationary communications satellite. It was launched on May 11, 2018. The project is being implemented by Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission(BTRC) and was the first payload launched by a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket. Bangabandhu satellite-1 ground stations are in Betbunia, Rangamati and Joydebpur, Gazipur, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Overview

                                   ①Mission Type: Communication

                                   ②Mission Duration: 15 years

                                    ③BUS: Spacebus-4000B2

                                    ④Launch Mass: ~3,700 kg             

                                    ⑤Power: 6 kW

                                    ⑥Launch Date: 12 May 2018, 20:14 UTC

                                    ⑦Rocket: Falcon 9 Block

                                    ⑧Orbital Regime: GEO

                                    ⑨Orbital Longitude: 119.1°E

                                    ⑩Transponders Band: 14 C band

Plans of Applications (Strengths):

In BS-1 the priority satellite applications are:

§Direct to Home(DTH): Encrypted Transmission which is basically a reception of satellite programmes with a personal dish in an individual home.

§Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT): VSAT maintains a wireless Communication and Radio Frequency to transmit data among the Stellite and Remote Receiver.

§Network Restoration: Network Restoration has the special ability to quickly recover and or restore any kinds of failure.

§Disaster Preparedness and Relief: By these sectors, Bangladesh depends on foreign satellites now. Which costs us around 14M per year. This Huge cost will be avoided and moreover, by renting some frequency broadband we will earn sufficient amount.

§The Primary Service Area (PSA): will save this annual cost, and bring in foreign currency by leasing out half its capacity to SAARC nations

Key Focusing Points (Weakness):

·         A satellite placed in 119.1-degree orbital slot (where the suitable place is 74-105 degree for Bangladesh) 

·         TV channels would have to maintain 45-degree angle to connect to the satellite 

·         Under this, programs of Bangladeshi TV channels will not be seen - Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bangkok, Australia, Africa and many other countries. 

·         The main problem of the Bangabandhu-1 satellite is its 'Footprint'. Many countries will be excluded from its broadcast borders.

Opportunities:

  

Challenges

·         The orbital is leased from Russia for only 15 years. So after 15 years, if we again want to make a new contract then again we have to consider the cost.

·         Maintenance will be definitely a big challenge.