Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) has secured a contract to launch Japan’s SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation’s JCSAT-14 telecommunications satellite.

The contract will see SpaceX launching JCSAT-14 to a geostationary transfer orbit onboard its Falcon 9 rocket in the latter part of 2015.

SpaceX president and COO Gwynne Shotwell said: "As Asia’s largest satellite operator, we appreciate JSAT’s confidence in our ability to reliably deliver their satellite to orbit."

"SKY Perfect JSAT’s JCSAT-14 will replace JCSAT-2A, providing coverage to Asia, Russia, Oceania and the Pacific Islands, with a service life of more than 15 years."

SKY Perfect JSAT’s JCSAT-14 is a Space Systems/Loral (SSL) and will replace JCSAT-2A, providing coverage to Asia, Russia, Oceania and the Pacific Islands, with a service life of more than 15 years.

It will carry 26 optimised C-band transponders and 18 Ku-Band transponders, extending its JCSAT-2A’s geographical footprint, while catering to the growing mobility markets throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

SKY Perfect JSAT concluded the contract for construction of the satellite on 12 June 2013.

SpaceX’s new contract follows the recent launch of THAICOM 6 satellite onboard its Falcon 9 rocket on 6 January.

The Falcon 9 has successfully placed the Asian satellite operator THAICOM’s telecommunications satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit, marking the rocket’s final qualification flight required to certify the launch vehicle to fly missions under the evolved expendable launch vehicle (EELV) programme.

SpaceX currently has around 50 launches in pipeline, including more than 60% for commercial customers.

Defence Technology