Lokheed

Japan-based satellite operator Sky Perfect JSat (SJC) has awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin to build the JCSAT-17 satellite.

To be developed on the A2100 common design, the JCSAT-17 satellite will be equipped with an S-band antenna and a flexible processor to provide updates during disaster relief efforts and other high-volume circumstances.

This is the eighth JCSAT-17 satellite to be built by Lockheed. The company previously built NSAT-110, JCSAT-9 through to JCSAT-13 and JCSAT-110R for SJC.

To be manufactured at Lockheed’s Denver, Colorado, US site, the satellite is planned to be launched by the second half of 2019.

"We have built a number of satellites for SJC and we are honored that they have placed their trust in us again."

With an operation lifespan of more than 15 years, the satellite will also carry C and Ku-band capacity.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Commercial Space vice-president Carl Marchetto said: "We have built a number of satellites for SJC and we are honored that they have placed their trust in us again.

"And with the sale of an additional A2100, it adds yet another satellite to our healthy backlog."

Lockheed expects to build the JCSAT-17 satellite on the A2100 satellite platform. The company said that it modernised the A2100 to improve the spacecraft’s power, propulsion and electronics, as well as to reduce production costs and timelines.

Lockheed has built more than 40 satellites, which are now in orbit, on the A2100 satellite platform.

Image: Lockheed to build JCSAT-17 satellite on A2100 satellite platform. Photo: courtesy of Lockheed Martin.