JCSAT-2A (formerly JCSAT-8) at 84° East – Operated by SKY Perfect JSAT Group

JCSAT-2A, originally designated JCSAT-8 before launch, is a geostationary communications satellite operated by SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, Japan’s leading satellite operator. The satellite was developed to enhance regional connectivity and to replace the aging JCSAT-2 satellite at the 154° East orbital slot. JCSAT-2A provides reliable communications coverage across Japan, East Asia, Australia, and Hawaii.

Satellite Specifications and Mission Overview

• Name: JCSAT-2A (formerly JCSAT-8)

• Operator: SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation

• Manufacturer: Boeing Satellite Systems

• Satellite Bus: BSS-601

• Launch Date: March 29, 2002

• Launch Vehicle: Ariane 44L

• Launch Site: Centre Spatial Guyanais, French Guiana

• Launch Mass: 2,460 kg (5,420 lb)

• Power Capacity: 3.7 kW

• Design Life: 11 years

• Orbital Slot: 84° East (formerly 154° East)

Payload and Coverage

JCSAT-2A is equipped with a hybrid payload featuring:

• 16 Ku-band transponders (57 MHz each) with 120-watt amplifiers for high-power transmission across Japan.

• 11 C-band transponders (36 MHz) and 5 C-band transponders (54 MHz) with 34-watt amplifiers, covering Japan, East Asia, Australia, and Hawaii.

• Total bandwidth: 1,578 MHz.

In its deployed configuration, the satellite measures 21 meters in length, with fully extended solar panels and antennas, ensuring powerful and broad signal reach.

Launch and Deployment

JCSAT-8 was ordered in April 2000 from Boeing Satellite Systems, following Boeing’s acquisition of Hughes’ HS-601 satellite platform. It was developed to ensure continuity of service as a replacement for JCSAT-2.

The satellite was successfully launched on March 29, 2002, aboard an Ariane 44L launch vehicle. After reaching geostationary orbit and completing in-orbit testing, it was officially renamed JCSAT-2A.

About SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation

SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation is Japan’s premier satellite operator and one of the largest in Asia. Formed through a merger of Japan Communications Satellite Company (JCSAT) and Space Communications Corporation (SCC), JSAT has played a pivotal role in shaping satellite broadcasting and communications infrastructure throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

The company operates a fleet of geostationary satellites serving a wide range of sectors including television broadcasting, data connectivity, mobile backhaul, maritime, and aviation. With decades of experience and a reputation for reliability, SKY Perfect JSAT continues to expand its satellite communications capabilities to meet growing regional demand.