Satellite operator SKY Perfect JSAT ordered the JCSAT-10 high-power satellite in 2004. The spacecraft was constructed by Lockheed Martin and is based on the award-winning A2100AX-platform. JSAT-10 is located at 128° East longitude and has a lifespan of a minimum of 15 years.

The satellite had a launch mass of 4,048kgs (8,924lb) and a 15-year design life. It would provide communications services throughout Japan and Asia with a payload composed of eighteen 27MHz and twelve 36MHz Ku-band plus twelve C-band transponders, for a total bandwidth of 1,350MHz. The high-power amplifiers had an output power of 127W on Ku-band on Ku-band and 48W on C-band.

After commencing services, satellite operator SKY Perfect JSAT renamed the satellite in JCSAT-3a.

JCSAT-3a was successfully launched in a dual launch on August 11^th, 2006 on an Ariane 5 rocket booster operated by launch operator Arianespace from the Kourou Space Port in French Guyana.