Rendered drawings of JCSAT 15 and JCSAT 16. Photo: SSL

[Via Satellite 04-18-2014] Sky Perfect JSAT signed an agreement with Space Systems/Loral (SSL) to procure two new satellites: JCSAT 15 and 16. The two satellites will be used for services such as video distribution, data transfer communications and back-up service capabilities in Japan and other areas of the Asia-Pacific region.

Both satellites are being built on the SSL 1300 satellite platform, and are scheduled to launch in 2016, designed to deliver service for 15 years or longer. The first satellite SSL built for Sky Perfect JSAT, JCSAT 14, began construction last June.

JCSAT 15 is a 10-kW satellite that will be located at 110 degrees east and will replace the N-SAT 110, which broadcasts the multichannel paid TV service SKY PerfecTV! The satellite will provide legacy service, as well as expansion capability, designed to adjust its coverage of Japan and the Indian Ocean to service areas of higher demand.

JCSAT 16  is an 8.5-kW satellite and will be used at a variety of orbital locations serving as an in-orbit back-up satellite for the Ku- and Ka-band satellites serving the Japanese market.