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Dedicated Mission

BSat-3a at 110° East


Launch date

14 August 2007

Position

110° East

Manufacturer

Lockheed Martin

Operator

B-SAT

Launch operator

Arianespace

Launch vehicle

Ariane 5ECA

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

BSat-3a at 110° East


Lockheed Martin built BSat-3a
Araine 5 ready for launching BSat satellite

Dedicated Mission

BSat-3a at 110° East


Dedicated Mission

BSat-3a at 110° East


BSat-3A Ku-band coverage