Satellite operator SKY Perfect JSAT ordered the JCSAT-13 high-power hybrid satellite in 2009. The spacecraft was constructed by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS) and is based on the award winning A2100AXS platform. JSAT-13 is located at 124° East longitude and has a lifespan of a minimum of 15 years. The satellite carries C-, Ku- and S-band transponders.

JCSAT-13’ payload is composed of thirty-two 27MHz and twelve 36MHz Ku-band transponders for a total bandwidth of 1.296GHz, and it is used primarily for multi-channel pay per view business. Besides the main beam, it has two steerable beams that enables it to reconfigure in orbit its services.

The satellite is mainly used for broadcasting digital televisions channels serving Asia and Japan with two fixed beams named Japan Beam and South-East Asia Beam. The former offers coverage from the Middle- and Near East through South-West Asia, South-East Asia and Oceania. With the latter mainly covering Indonesia and Malaysia. In addition to the two fixed beams, it offers two steerable beams to cover zones where demands have surpassed the fixed beam capacity.

After commencing services, Satellite operator SKY Perfect JSAT renamed the satellite in JCSAT-4b, replacing aging JCSAT-4a.

JCSAT-4b was successfully launched on June 15^th, 2012 with an Ariane 5 rocket booster operated by launch operator Arianespace from the Kourou Space Part in French Guyana.