Telecom Lead America: Lockheed Martin has delivered its
100th and 101st commercial geostationary communications satellites — JCSAT-13
and VINASAT-2. Both satellites are based on Lockheed Martin’s A2100
geosynchronous satellite series.
The company delivered these satellites in preparation for
the first dual launch of satellites built itself aboard an Ariane rocket.
JCSAT-13, built for SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation
of Japan, and VINASAT-2, manufactured for Vietnam Posts and
Telecommunications Group (VNPT) of Vietnam.
JCSAT-13 carries an all Ku-band payload comprising 44
high-power communication channels with uplink and downlink coverage
overJapan, Indonesia, Middle and Near East, Southwest Asia and
Oceania. JCSAT-13 is required to meet a 15-year design life and will be
located at 124 degrees east longitude.
“The shipment of these two satellites is a clear
demonstration of the talent and dedication of our team. We look forward to this
critical dual launch and extending our record of providing high-quality,
affordable system solutions that meet our customer’s advanced communications
needs,” said Kevin Bilger, vice president and general manager of
Global Communications Systems, Lockheed Martin.
VINASAT-2, the second Lockheed Martin satellite built for
VNPT, will provide fixed satellite service to Vietnam and neighboring
countries. The satellite features 24 Ku-band channels providing uplink and
downlink coverage, and will be located at 131.8 degrees east longitude.
VINASAT-2 has a 15-year design life with additional fuel reserves to maximize
maneuver life.
“SKY Perfect JSAT and VNPT are long-time valued
customers of Lockheed Martin. We will now shift our focus to preparations for
this historic launch and achieving mission success for our customers,”
said Joe Rickers, president of Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems.
Last year, Lockheed Martin announced the launch of Communications-on-the-Move (COTM) kit that gives
warfighters access to various networks without having to incorporate racks of
equipment in their vehicles.
