Home >> News: January 15th, 2020 >> Story
Satnews Daily
January 15th, 2020

Lockheed Martin Ships JCSAT-17 to Launch Site


Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has shipped their third satellite based on the modernized LM 2100™ bus to French Guiana for launch aboard an Ariane V rocket.

JCSAT-17 will provide flexible mobile communications services to users in Japan and the surrounding region. Arianespace will launch JCSAT-17 from its spaceport in Kourou.

JCSAT-17 is the first Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) communications satellite built on the modernized LM 2100™, which includes 26 innovations that make the satellite more powerful, flexible and versatile in orbit.

A reprogrammable mission processor adds flexibility as mission needs change. Lockheed Martin is currently manufacturing five modernized LM 2100™-based satellites for commercial and government customers.


Artistic rendition of the JCSAT-17 satellite. Image is courtesy of Lockheed Martin.

The satellite's payload incorporates S- and C-band transponders with a flexible processor along with 18m mesh reflector, enabling assured communications continuity during high-volume events. The satellite also features robust Ku-band connectivity. JCSAT-17 is the eighth satellite built by Lockheed Martin for SJC, beginning with NSAT-110, JCSAT-9 through JCSAT-13 and JCSAT-110R.

Guy Beutelschies, Lockheed Martin's VP for Communication Satellite Solutions, said that following two successful launches of LM 2100™ commercial communications satellites, Lockheed Martin is proud to deliver JCSAT-17 to SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation (SJC), which will add a tremendous amount of new connectivity for users in Japan. This satellite will help grow Japan's advanced economy by adding new options for mobility, bandwidth where it's needed, and reliable connections.