Commercial satellites provider Space Systems Loral (SSL) has delivered the new JCSAT-16 communication satellite to its launch site at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, US.

Designed and built for Japan’s SKY Perfect JSAT, the new communication satellite is scheduled to be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket by August.

Once launched, the JCSAT-16 will work as an in-orbit back-up and will ensure stability for existing services and enhance SKY Perfect JSAT’s business.

The satellite is currently undergoing launch preparations at Cape Canaveral.

SSL president John Celli said: “JCSAT-16 will be our second satellite for SKY Perfect JSAT to launch this year.

“It has been an honour to work together with our Japanese colleagues to build this satellite that has the flexibility to meet the demand for a variety of missions, and we look forward to collaborating on the launch.” 

"JCSAT-16 will provide us with the flexibility to reinforce our growing fleet as needed, ensuring the highest level of reliability for our customers.”

Built on the SSL 1300 platform, the new 8.5kW satellite is designed to serve the Japanese market from several orbital locations.

Equipped with both Ku and Ka band capabilities, the JCSAT-16 will provide various services for video distribution, data transfer communications, and fleet redundancy.  

SKY Perfect JSAT representative director president CEO Shinji Takada said: “When launched, JCSAT-16 will provide us with the flexibility to reinforce our growing fleet as needed, ensuring the highest level of reliability for our customers.”

SSL is also building the JCSAT-15 satellite, which is also scheduled to launch this year.

SKY Perfect JSAT currently has a fleet of 16 satellites and provides TV broadcasting and satellite communications services in Japan.

Image: SSL delivers JCSAT-16 satellite to its launch site at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, US. Photo: courtesy of SSL.