Lockheed Martin ships the JCSAT-17, built for SKY Perfect JSAT. Photo: Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin has shipped JCSAT-17, its third satellite based on the modernized LM 2100 bus, to French Guiana for launch. JCSAT-17, built for Sky Perfect JSAT (SJC), will provide flexible mobile communications services to users in Japan and the surrounding region. Arianespace will launch the satellite from its spaceport in Kourou aboard an Ariane 5 rocket. 

Lockheed Martin says that JCSAT-17 is the first Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) communications satellite built on the modernized LM 2100, including 26 innovations that make the satellite more powerful, flexible, and versatile in orbit. Lockheed Martin is currently manufacturing five modernized LM 2100-based satellites for commercial and government customers. JCSAT-17 is the eighth satellite built by Lockheed Martin for SJC, beginning with NSAT-110, JCSAT-9 through JCSAT-13 and JCSAT-110R.

“This satellite will help grow Japan’s advanced economy by adding new options for mobility, bandwidth where it’s needed, and reliable connections,” said Guy Beutelschies, Lockheed Martin’s vice president for Communication Satellite Solutions.