Lockheed Martin has delivered its 100th and 101st commercial geostationary communications satellites in preparation for the first dual launch of satellites built by Lockheed Martin aboard an Ariane rocket.

JCSAT-13, built for SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation of Japan, and VINASAT-2, manufactured for Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) of Vietnam, arrived at the Arianespace launch facility in Kourou, French Guiana yesterday and are in final pre-launch preparations. Both satellites are based on Lockheed Martin's A2100 geosynchronous satellite series.

"The shipment of these two satellites is a clear demonstration of the talent and dedication of our team," said Kevin Bilger, Lockheed Martin's vice president and general manager of Global Communications Systems.

"We look forward to this critical dual launch and extending our record of providing high-quality, affordable system solutions that meet our customer's advanced communications needs."

Lockheed Martin's first commercial geostationary satellite, SATCOM 1, was launched in December, 1975. Since then, Lockheed Martin commercial geostationary satellites have provided customers with nearly 1,000 years of operational service.

"SKY Perfect JSAT and VNPT are long-time valued customers of Lockheed Martin," said Joe Rickers, president of Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems.

"We will now shift our focus to preparations for this historic launch and achieving mission success for our customers."

JCSAT-13 carries an all Ku-band payload comprising 44 high-power communication channels with uplink and downlink coverage over Japan, Indonesia, Middle and Near East, Southwest Asia and Oceania. JCSAT-13 is required to meet a 15-year design life and will be located at 124 degrees east longitude.

VINASAT-2, the second Lockheed Martin satellite built for VNPT, will provide fixed satellite service to Vietnam and neighboring countries. The satellite features 24 Ku-band channels providing uplink and downlink coverage, and will be located at 131.8 degrees east longitude. VINASAT-2 has a 15-year design life with additional fuel reserves to maximize maneuver life.