[Via Satellite 11-04-2015] Intelsat and SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation announced they have signed a definitive agreement to form a joint venture that will launch a new satellite with optimized C-band and high throughput Ku-band capacity to satisfy the growing mobility and broadband connectivity demands in the Asia-Pacific region. To be known as Horizons 3e, the satellite is based on the Intelsat EpicNG high throughput design, which, upon launch, will complete the global footprint of the Intelsat EpicNG next generation platform. The satellite will be stationed at the 169 degrees east orbital location with a launch expected in the second half of 2018.

Horizons 3e will bring high performance, improved economics and simple access to the aeronautical and maritime mobility, cellular backhaul, corporate enterprise and government customers operating in the region. This is the fourth satellite to be owned jointly by JSAT and Intelsat, following Horizons 1, launched in 2003; Horizons 2, launched in 2007; and Intelsat 15/JCSAT 85, launched in 2009.

The formation of the JSAT/Intelsat venture features equal ownership of the satellite, which will be manufactured over a 2.5 year period. Given the business construct, the program will not be considered part of Intelsat’s capital expenditure program.