The dependability of Arianespace’s launch services and the company’s long-standing presence in Japan were commemorated this month with a certificate of appreciation from satellite operator Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT).

Arianespace receives a certificate of appreciation from B-SAT, at the Japanese satellite operator’s 20th anniversary party. Pictured from left to right, B-SAT President & CEO Kazuo Takenaka; Kiyoshi Takamatsu, the Japan Representative for Arianespace; Michael Callari, Arianespace’s Vice President of Customer Service; and Dr. Jean-Louis Claudon, Advisor.

The award represents the role that Arianespace, as a leading launch services provider, has played in the success of Japanese operator B-SAT, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Kiyoshi Takamatsu, Arianespace's Japan representative; Michael Callari, the Vice President of Customer Service at Arianespace; and Dr. Jean-Louis Claudon, Advisor; accepted the accolade from B-SAT President and CEO Kazuo Takenaka.

Arianespace was one of only two companies to receive recognition for contributing to B-SAT’s success; the other was a Japanese terrestrial broadcasting company.

All B-SAT’s satellites were launched by Ariane 5 vehicles, including the most recent BSAT-3c/JCSAT-110R spacecraft in August 2011, orbited within the scope of a turnkey launch contract with the American manufacturer Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems.

Arianespace’s long-term commitment to the Japanese market is underscored by an in-country presence that dates back over 25 years to the 1986 opening of its Tokyo office. The company holds a 75 percent market share with Japanese commercial launch contracts.