Artistic rendition of the JCSAT-13 satellite
SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation has decided to accelerate the JCSAT-13 satellite project. The satellite, currently under construction, is now slated for lift-off by Ariane 5 rocket in the fourth quarter of 2011, substantially ahead of its originally scheduled launch in 2013.
JCSAT-13, which is equipped with 44 high-power Ku-band transponders, w ill replace JCSAT-4A at the orbital slot of 124 degrees East. In addition to continuing service to Japan's premier DTH platform with its Japan beam, SKY Perfect JSAT will further strengthen its services by deploying a Southeast Asia beam with an emphasis over Indonesia & Malaysia and two steerable beams on board the satellite — such will fulfill growing demands for satellite broadcasting services and data communication networks for Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania regions. Osamu Inoue, Senior Executive Vice President of SKY Perfect JSAT, said , "We are very pleased to have a launch slot earlier than the original, which allows us to quickly respond to a variety of customer requirem ents such as DTH services, high-speed broadband services and enterprise VSAT networks, in which time-to-market is a crucial factor for success. We view JCSAT-13 as an important platform for our future growth. L everaging on its Southeast Asia beam and the two steerable beams, this satellite will significantly expand our international Ku-band busines ses to new areas."