Lockheed Martin
Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS) has been awarded a contract by JSAT
Corporation of Japan to build its latest geostationary telecommunications
satellite. The satellite, designated JCSAT-9, will provide satellite
communications services throughout Asia and Japan following its scheduled
launch in 2005.
JCSAT-9, a high-power hybrid satellite, will be located at 132 degrees
East longitude. The spacecraft will be based on the award winning A2100AX
platform, manufactured by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems, Newtown,
Pa. with a minimum service life of 12 years.
“We are truly honored to be selected to build JCSAT-9 in this global
competition,” said Ted Gavrilis, president, Commercial Space Systems. “The
award demonstrates the competitive success achieved through our initiative to
create a more efficient business infrastructure, combined with the A2100’s
consistent record of performance and dependability. We are absolutely
dedicated to producing a reliable, high-performance spacecraft, on schedule,
and achieving mission success for JSAT.”
The A2100 geostationary spacecraft is designed to meet a wide variety of
telecommunications needs ranging from high-power Ka, Ku and C-band fixed
satellite and direct broadcast services to high power mobile satellite
services using the L- and S-band frequency spectrum. The heritage A2100’s
modular design features flight-proven equipment, thus simplifying
construction, shortening delivery schedule, and increasing on-orbit
reliability.
In recognition of the A2100’s reliability, Lockheed Martin recently
received an award for “Product of the Year,” by Frost & Sullivan. Calling it
“the most reliable and efficient of its class,” Frost & Sullivan recognized
the LMCSS-built A2100 satellite platform for its “outstanding on-orbit
reliability record since it was first offered in 1996.”
About JSAT
JSAT is the leading satellite operator in the Asia-Pacific region. The
company owns and operates eight satellites in seven orbital slots. JSAT
provides satellite communications and broadcasting services that offer a range
of unique features that are well suited to support high-volume,
wide-distribution, high-speed networks. Implementing its corporate slogan,
“JSAT, Expanding Horizons,” the company is actively expanding its business
throughout the Pacific region. JSAT is listed on the First Section of the
Tokyo Stock Exchange. For more information on JSAT, visit the company’s web
site at www.jsat.net.
About Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems
Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems markets, designs and builds
geostationary and non-geostationary telecommunications and remote sensing
satellites for customers worldwide.
LMCSS is an operating unit of Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, one
of the core business areas of the Lockheed Martin Corporation.
Lockheed Martin has a 41-year heritage of building reliable spacecraft for
commercial and military customers, having launched more than 875 spacecraft
and clocking over 1,500 years of successful in-orbit operation.
For more information about Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems, see
our web site at http://www.lmcommercialspace.com
CONTACT: Steve Tatum of Lockheed Martin, +1-408-742-7531, or
Pager, +1-888-926-2912, or stephen.o.tatum@lmco.com.
