The BSAT-3c/JCSAT-110R satellite for Arianespace's next Ariane 5 flight is advancing through its checkout process at the Spaceport in French Guiana, in preparation for a July 1 liftoff on another of the workhorse launcher's dual-payload missions. BSAT-3c/JCSAT-110R is a hybrid broadcasting and telecommunications satellite built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems on behalf of B-SAT Corporation and SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation. Based on Lockheed Martin's A2100A platform, the spacecraft is to be operated from an orbital position of 110 degrees East longitude, and was designed to meet a required 15-year service life.
The BSAT-3c/JCSAT-110R satellite is readied to start its final checkout process inside the Spaceport's S5 payload preparation building. Photo courtesy of Arianespace.
BSAT-3c/JCSAT-110R will ride as the lower passenger during Arianespace's upcoming mission, to be deployed after its companion payload, ASTRA 1N, which also is undergoing its processing at the Spaceport. The EADS Astrium-built ASTRA 1N is a state-of-the-art Ku-band spacecraft that will deliver pan-European direct-to-home broadcast services for satellite operator SES ASTRA. ASTRA 1N initially will provide interim capacity from an orbital position of 28.2 degrees East following its deployment by Ariane 5. It subsequently will be moved to SES ASTRA's prime location at 19.2 degrees East for primary and backup services.