On August 21, 2009, the high-power hybrid satellite JCSAT-12 was launched successfully from Kourou, French Guiana, the 38th Lockheed Martin-built A2100 spacecraft and the fifth delivered to SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation of Japan. Delivered to the launch site in just 22-½ months, JCSAT-12 consists of 30 active Ku-band transponders and 12 active C-band transponders, providing broadcast and broadband services to Japan, Oceania, the Asia-Pacific region and Hawaii. JCSAT-12 is designed for a minimum service life of 15 years and will serve as a back up satellite for other SKY Perfect JSAT satellites.
The Lockheed Martin A2100 geosynchronous spacecraft series is designed to meet a wide variety of telecommunications needs including Ka-band broadband and broadcast services, fixed satellite services in C-band and Ku-band, high-power direct broadcast services using the Ku-band frequency spectrum and mobile satellite services using UHF, L-band, and S-band payloads. The A2100’s modular design features a reduction in parts, simplified construction, increased on-orbit reliability and reduced weight and cost. A hallmark of LMCSS, the A2100 has been the consistent commercial product of choice for reliability, performance, and credible cost and delivery schedules.
LMCSS strongly values its commitment to its customers — VINASAT-1, the first spacecraft procured for the nation of Vietnam, continues to perform well on-orbit. The satellite, launched in 2008, provides state-of-the-art radio, television and telephone communications to all corners of the country, enabling Vietnamese citizens to use multiple services such as mobile broadcasting, DTH television, video conferencing and data transmission. VINASAT-1 is also improving the nation’s communication networks infrastructure by removing dependence on ground networks and allowing 100 percent of Vietnam’s rural communities to be equipped with telephones and televisions.
Looking to 2010, Lockheed Martin is committed to operational excellence by delivering high-performing, highly capable space systems while pursuing cost reduction initiatives, improving competitiveness and generating better value for its customers. On the horizon is BSAT-3b, a satellite that will provide HD direct broadcast services throughout Japan following its scheduled launch in 2010 aboard an Arianespace launch vehicle. BSAT-3b is the second consecutive satellite order B-SAT Corporation has awarded to Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin successfully delivered BSAT-3a in August 2007. The LMCSS formula of improved operational efficiencies, combined with the reliable A2100 satellite series, a solid backlog and an impressive record of mission success, will position Lockheed Martin as a flexible and adaptable player to changing industry demands now and in the future.