The Japanese satellite operator SKY Perfect JSAT has awarded the construction order for its JCSAT 14 communications satellite to the US-based satellite constructor Space Systems/Loral. The satellite is being built to replace JCSAT 2A at 154 degrees East longitude in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) covering the Asia Pacific region.
The satellite, which will use the Space Systems/Loral 1300 bus design will have approximately 10 kW of power at end of life, and will carry 26 C-band transponders and 18-Ku-band transponders in its communcations payload or service in Asia, Russia, Oceania, and the Pacific Islands. The C-band coverage will be used for both broadcast and data networks and the satellite’s Ku-band regional beams will provide high-speed connectivity for maritime, aviation and resource exploration use. Scheduled for launch in 2015, the satellite is designed to deliver service for 15 years or more.