First signals have been received from both spacecraft, indicating normal operation.

JCSAT-5, the fifth satellite built for Japan Satellite Systems Inc. (JSAT), by Hughes Space and Communications Co. lifted off at 7:52 p.m. local time (2:52 p.m. Dec. 2 in Los Angeles, 10:52 p.m. Dec. 2 GMT) aboard an Ariane 44P rocket. The spacecraft separated from the launch vehicle about 21 minutes later. About an hour after launch, JSAT's Yokohama Satellite Control Center received its first signals from the spacecraft, confirming it is operating normally.

JCSAT-5 is the 36th Hughes HS 601 body-stabilized model satellite. It will relay voice, data and television signals among Japan, the Asia-Pacific region and Hawaii. With its solar panels generating approximately 5,000 watts, the satellite will operate 32 active transponders in Ku-band. It is expected to provide at least 12 years of service from its orbital slot of 150 degrees East longitude.

Astra 1G, also the fifth Hughes-built satellite for Societe Europeenne des Satellites (SES) of Luxembourg, lifted off at 4:11 a.m. Dec. 3 local time (3:11 p.m. Dec. 2 in Los Angeles, 11:11 p.m. Dec. 2 GMT) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan aboard a Proton rocket. The spacecraft separated from the launch vehicle nearly seven hours later. About 6:52 a.m local time satellite controllers in Sydney received signals from Astra 1G, indicating systems are operating normally.

Astra 1G is the second HS 601HP (for high-power) satellite to be launched by Hughes, and the 37th HS 601. The spacecraft features 7 kilowatts of power, made possible through the use of state-of-the-art gallium arsenide solar cells. These cells, developed by another unit of Hughes Electronics, Spectrolab Inc., are nearly one-and-a-half times more efficient than traditional silicon solar cells.

Astra 1G will join SES's existing satellite fleet to expand television, radio and multi-media services throughout Europe. The spacecraft features 32 active transponders during its first five years of operation, with 28 thereafter, operating in the Broadcast Satellite Service and Fixed Satellite Service frequency bands, powered by 98-watt traveling wave tube amplifiers. As with the other Astra satellites, SES will be able to change the transponders' transmission frequencies in orbit to accommodate new programming or to back up the other satellites. Astra 1G also has an advanced antenna design, using two large lightweight reflectors featuring Hughes' contoured-surface technology. The satellite will be stationed at 19.2 degrees East longitude and will have a service life of 15 years.