The BSAT-3b broadcasting satellite is now operational following successful on-orbit deployment and checkout of all spacecraft systems. The spacecraft is located at orbital location 110 degrees east and is expected to provide more than 15 years of service for B-SAT.

BSAT-3b features 12 130 W Ku-band channels, eight operating simultaneously and is based on the A2100A platform manufactured by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS), Newtown, Pa. The satellite broadcasts high-definition television to homes and businesses throughout Japan and links ground stations with 90 million HDTV terminals across the country.

"I am very pleased that LMCSS has delivered the perfect satellite to B-SAT again," said B-SAT President and CEO Kazuo Takenaka. "B-SAT expects high reliability from BSAT-3b, which will support digital broadcasting service in Japan in conjunction with BSAT-3a."

"The successful handover of BSAT-3b to B-SAT is the culmination of extraordinary teamwork and program performance," said LMCSS President Joseph Rickers. "BSAT-3b will be a tremendous asset to B-SAT's spacecraft fleet, and I commend both B-SAT and Lockheed Martin for this achievement."

"Lockheed Martin is particularly proud of the A2100's impressive track record," continued Rickers. "BSAT-3b represents the 37th commercial communications satellite based on the A2100 platform delivered to customers world-wide and is another example of the value of A2100 and Lockheed Martin."

BSAT-3b was based entirely on proven A2100 designs and extensive flight heritage, enhancing reliability on orbit. Lockheed Martin successfully built and launched BSAT-3a for B-SAT in August 2007 and is currently constructing BSAT-3c/JCSAT-110R, which is scheduled for launch in the second quarter of 2011.

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 simplified construction, increased on-orbit reliability and reduced weight and cost. The A2100 design accommodates a large range of communication payloads and serves as the platform for critical government communications programs, including the Advanced Extremely High Frequency and Mobile User Objective System satellites.

The A2100 spacecraft can also be configured for missions other than communication. It has been adapted for Lockheed Martin's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite Series-R earth observing mission and serves as the spacecraft platform for Lockheed Martin's GPS III program.