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Dedicated Mission
Launch date
14 August 2007
Position
110° East
Manufacturer
Operator
Launch operator
Launch vehicle
Expected lifetime
13 Years
Region
Asia Pacific Region
In 2005 satellite manufacturer Lockheed Martin was selected to build the third generation of Japanese Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation’s satellites. Designated BSAT-3a, the 1.8-kW satellite would provide direct broadcast services throughout Japan following its scheduled launch in Q2 of 2007.
BSAT-3a will comprise 12 130W Ku-band channels (8 operating at one time) and will be located at 110° East longitude. With a design life of over 13 years, BSAT-3a is based on the award-winning A2100A platform manufactured by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS), Newtown, Pa, USA. BSAT-3a marks the 12th Lockheed Martin satellite ordered in the 1- to 4-kW small-class satellite range.
In April 2008 a second spacecraft called BSat-3b was ordered with Lockheed Martin for a launch planned in 2010.
BSat-3a was successfully launched on August 14th, 2007 in a dual launch with Spaceway-3 satellite for satellite operator Hughes Network Systems (EchoStar), on an Ariane 5ECA launch vehicle, operated by launch operator Arianespace.
Dedicated Mission
Dedicated Mission