[Satellite TODAY 12-13-10] The BSat-3b broadcasting satellite is operational following on-orbit deployment and checkout of all spacecraft systems, Lockheed Martin announced Dec. 10.
    Designed and built by Lockheed Martin for the Broadcasting Satellite System Corp. of Japan (B-Sat), the spacecraft entered service at 110 degrees East and is expected to provide more than 15 years of service.
    BSat-3b features 12 130-Watt Ku-band channels to broadcast HDTV to homes and businesses throughout Japan, linking ground stations with 90 million HDTV terminals across the country.
Lockheed Martin is constructing the BSat-3c/JCSat-110R satellite, which is scheduled for launch in the 2011 second quarter.