Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation
The Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT) is a Japanese corporation established in April 1993 to procure, manage and lease transponders on communications satellites. Its largest stockholder, owning 49.9%, is NHK, the Japan Broadcasting Corporation. In 1994 it was ranked by Space News as the world's 19th largest fixed satellite operator.
Current satellite fleet
BSAT-2a
BSAT-2a was manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation based on the STAR Bus platform. It was launched aboard an Ariane 5G rocket on March 8, 2001. BSAT-2a serves as an on orbit backup to BSAT-2c.BSAT-2a was deorbited in January 2013.
BSAT-2c
BSAT-2c was manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation Based on the STAR Bus platform. It was launched aboard an Ariane 5 rocket 2003-06-11. In-orbit delivery to B-SAT took place 2003-07-15. BSAT-2c was deorbited in August 2013.
BSAT-3a
Launched 2007-08-14 by an Ariane 5-ECA expendable launch vehicle. It was manufactured by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems based on the A2100A platform design, with a communications payload containing 12 Ku-band channels, eight of which operate at one time. Located in geostationary orbit at 110 degrees East longitude, it replaced BSAT-1a and BSAT-1b.
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