Wifi Revolution

The BSAT-3a broadcasting satellite is now operational for the Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT) following successful on- orbit deployment and checkout of all spacecraft systems. The BSAT-3a broadcasting satellite is designed and built by Lockheed Martin (News - Alert).

 

Lockheed Martin explains that the BSAT-3a communications payload contains 12 130-W Ku-band channels (eight operating at one time). BSAT-3a has a design life of more than 13 years, and is based on the A2100A platform manufactured by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS), Newtown, Pa. The company points out that the BSAT-3a marks the 12th Lockheed Martin satellite contract awarded in the 1- to 4-kW class satellite range.

 

“I am very pleased that LMCSS has delivered the perfect satellite to B-SAT,” said B-SAT president and CEO Kenji Nagai in a statement.

 

According to Nagai, in the open-bidding phase, B-SAT decided to select LMCSS from among several offers, judging that LMCSS would be able to deliver a reliable satellite. He thinks that their decision has proven to be completely correct.

 

LMCSS vice-president and general manager Marshall Byrd said that the outstanding dedication and teamwork of B-SAT and Lockheed Martin the last two years contributed greatly to the success of this program.

 

“We’re extremely pleased to deliver a high-quality, robust spacecraft on schedule to our valued B-SAT customer,” he added.

 

The BSAT-3a broadcasting satellite is located at orbital location 110 degrees East longitude. According to the company, the successful handover of BSAT-3a represents the 33rd delivery of an A2100 spacecraft for customers worldwide and all 33 currently are operational. Till date, LMCSS has launched 91 communications geostationary earth orbit satellites.

 

Lockheed Martin made news last week when it partnered with Juniper Networks to develop a pilot Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) transition test bed that can simulate a government agency transition.

 

 

Back to WiFi Revolution home