Le Bourget, France, June 14, 2005 — Arianespace CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall announced today at the Paris Air Show that Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems has contracted with Arianespace to launch the BSAT-3a spacecraft for the Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT) of Japan.
BSAT-3a will be launched on an Ariane 5 in the second quarter of 2007 from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
BSAT-3a will be the 6th satellite entrusted by the B-SAT Corporation to the European Ariane launcher and the 38th Lockheed Martin platform to be lofted by Arianespace. This is the 22nd satellite payload that Arianespace has won in Japan out of the 30 that have been open to commercial launch services competition.
BSAT-3a will be built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems at its facility in Newtown, Pennsylvania, using an A2100 A platform. Weighing 1,970 kg. (4,344 lb.) at liftoff, it will be positioned at 110 degrees East longitude and will have a design life of more than 13 years.
The BSAT-3a’s payload of eight 130-Watt Ku-band transponders will provide direct-to-home broadcasts from a geostationary orbit to subscribers throughout Japan.
“We are honored to work once again with Lockheed Martin’s satellite division. This contract underscores the strong relationship we have developed over the years with LMCSS,” Le Gall said. “We are of course also very proud to serve a faithful customer like B-SAT Corporation.”
“Arianespace brings a commitment to excellence in satellite launch,” said, LMCSS President Ted Gavrilis. “We are pleased to be working once again with them.”
