The US-based spacecraft manufacturer Space Systems/Loral has been awarded a construction order to build the direct broadcasting communications satellite BSAT-4a for B-SAT – the Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation of Japan.
The BSAT-4a satellite which will use a version of the SSL-1300 (LS-1300) satellite bus deisgn, BSAT-4a, will have a communications payload 24 Ku-band transponders which will give direct-to-home television viewers access to high definition and 4K/8K ultra-high definition television. The satellite is designed to provide service for 15 years or more.