Lockheed Martin recently launched its third satellite based on the ‘modernised LM 2100’ system from the Guiana Space Center (French Guiana) aboard an Ariane 5 rocket.

After in-orbit tests have been completed and operations have been handed over to Sky Perfect JSAT Corporation (SJC), JCSAT-17 will provide flexible mobile communication services to users in Japan and the surrounding region.

JCSAT-17 is the first Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) communications satellite built on the ‘modernised LM 2100’ system, which includes 26 ‘innovations’ that make the satellite more powerful, flexible and versatile in orbit (a reprogrammable mission processor adds flexibility to accommodate changing mission needs).

Lockheed Martin is currently manufacturing five of these satellites for commercial and government customers.

Guy Beutelschies, Lockheed Martin’s vice-president for Communication Satellite Solutions (www.lockheedmartin.com), said: “Advanced mobile satellite communications are necessary, as the world consumes more and more data in the transition to 5G.

This satellite will diversify and harden Japan’s communications infrastructure by adding new options for mobility, bandwidth where it is needed, and reliable connections.”

The satellite’s ‘payload’ incorporates S-band and C-band transponders (with a ‘flexible processor’) plus an 18m mesh reflector, thereby enabling assured communications continuity during ‘high-volume events’.

The satellite also features ‘robust Ku-band connectivity’.

JCSAT-17 is the eighth satellite built by Lockheed Martin for SJC.