On the N-Star satellite program, Orbital ATK (Northrop Grumman) partnered with Lockheed Martin Corp. to build and launch the N-Star c communications satellite for Japan’s cell phone provider Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp.  and Mobile Communications Network, Inc. (NTT DoCoMo) that was later fully acquired by SKY Perfect JSAT.

The N-Star c satellite had a launch weight of approximately 1,625 kg (3,583 lb), and a 10-year design life. Its payload was composed of 1 C-band, and 20 S-band transponders and is located at the 136° East longitude orbital slot. The satellite was launched on July 5th, 2002 on an Ariane 5 rocket operated by launch operator Arianespace.