Arianespace to launch BSAT-4b; marking the 10th satellite launch for B-SAT

Arianespace reports that it will launch BSAT-4b, under the term of a turnkey contract between B-SAT and Maxar's SSL.

BSAT-4b will be launched by an Ariane 5 in 2020 from the Guiana Space Center, Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, as part of a turnkey contract between the Japanese satellite operator B-SAT and the California-based satellite manufacturer SSL.

Since the creation of B-SAT, Arianespace has launched all nine of its satellites.

BSAT-4b will be the 10th satellite launched for B-SAT and the 32nd commercial geostationary satellite launch contract awarded to Arianespace in Japan.

Built by SSL, a Maxar Technologies company, using a 1300 platform, BSAT-4b will feature 24 Ku-band transponders. It will weigh about 3,520 kg at launch and is designed to have a nominal service life of at least 15 years. It will be positioned in geostationary orbit at 110 degrees East.

BSAT-4b will serve as a back-up of BSAT-4a, which was launched by Arianespace in September 2017. It will have the same Japan archipelago footprint as BSAT-4a, providing Direct-To-Home (DTH) television to ensure exceptional 4K/8K ultra-high definition (UHD) video distribution for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Following the signature of this contract, Stephane Israel, CEO of Arianespace, said: "Only seven months after the successful launch of BSAT-4a in September 2017, we are honored to have been selected for the launch of BSAT-4b for our long-lasting partner B-SAT.

"This new Ariane 5 launch contract is a clear demonstration of the excellent relationships between Arianespace, SSL and the Japanese operator B-SAT, for whom we have launched the entire fleet of satellites since 1997.

"We are proud to serve one more time the Japanese market and to actively participate to the implementation of B-SAT's ambitious projects, in partnership with SSL."

Related Links
Arianespace
Rocket Science News at Space-Travel.Com

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Ariane 5 launches two satellites
Kourou, French Guiana (ESA) Apr 06, 2018
Arianespace has successfully launched two telecommunications satellites: DSN-1/Superbird-8 for the Japanese operator SKY Perfect JSAT; and HYLAS 4 for the British operator Avanti Communications. Arianespace's third launch of the year took place on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 6:34 p.m. (local time) from the Guiana Space Center (CSG), Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. With this 98th launch of Ariane 5, the heavy-lift launcher has now transported more than 200 satellites since its entry in se ... read more