JCSAT-110 (N-SAT 110 / JCSAT-7 / Superbird-5 / Superbird-D): Japanese Geostationary Communications Satellite

Overview
JCSAT-110, also known by multiple names including N-SAT 110, JCSAT-7, Superbird-5, and Superbird-D, is a Japanese geostationary communications satellite. It was jointly operated by JSAT Corporation and Space Communications Corporation (SCC) until both companies merged in October 2008 to form SKY Perfect JSAT Group. The satellite is positioned at 110° East longitude in geostationary orbit, where it delivers telecommunications and broadcast services across Japan.

Satellite Design and Specifications
The spacecraft was built by Lockheed Martin and is based on the A2100-AX satellite platform. Key technical specifications include:

• Launch mass: 3,531 kg (7,785 lb)

• Dry mass: 1,669 kg (3,680 lb)

• Design life: 13 years

• Orbit-raising engine: 460 N LEROS-1C liquid apogee engine (LAE)

When stowed for launch, JCSAT-110 measured 6 meters (20 ft) in height. Once deployed, its solar panels span 26.4 meters (87 ft) and deliver up to 8.3 kW of power at end-of-life. With antennas deployed, its width is 8.3 meters (27 ft).

Payload and Services
JCSAT-110 carries 24 Ku-band transponders, each with a 36 MHz bandwidth and 120-watt output power via TWTA amplifiers. The satellite’s total bandwidth is 864 MHz, and it is primarily used for multi-channel pay-per-view television services, supporting Japan’s advanced broadcasting infrastructure.

Launch and Deployment History
Both JSAT Corporation and SCC requested the 110° East orbital slot in September 1997. The Japanese government approved a joint usage agreement, and on November 20, 1998, both companies placed a joint satellite order with Lockheed Martin for what was then called N-SAT 110.

Key launch and operational milestones:

• Launch date: October 6, 2000, at 23:00 UTC

• Launch vehicle: Ariane 42L H10-3

• Launch site: ELA-2, Guiana Space Centre (Kourou, French Guiana)

• First signal received: October 7, 2000, at 00:04 UTC from Australia

• Reached geostationary orbit: October 14, 2000, at 03:00 UTC

Upon reaching orbit:

• JSAT named the satellite JCSAT-110

• SCC named it Superbird-D

After the merger of JSAT and SCC on October 1, 2008, the satellite has been operated solely under the name JCSAT-110by SKY Perfect JSAT Group.