The JSAT constellation is a communication and broadcasting satellite constellation formerly operated by JSAT Corporation and currently by SKY Perfect JSAT Group. It has become the most important commercial constellation in Japan, and fifth in the world. It has practically amalgamated all private satellite operators in Japan, with only B-SAT left as a local competitor.
JSAT began in 1985, with the opening by the Government of Japan, of the communication markets in Japan and the founding of Japan Communications Satellite Company, Satellite Japan Corporation, Space Communications Corporation. It grew by own investment, mergers and acquisitions of the parent companies. As of August 2016, it includes the fleets of three previously mentioned companies, Horizons Satellite and NTT DoCoMo and the DSN military network.
Constellations
SKY Perfect JSAT Group has gone through some significant mergers and acquisition and the JSAT constellation has grown accordingly. It has practically amalgamated all private satellite operators in Japan, with only B-SAT left as a competitor. Since these mergers were the result of the opening of the communication markets in Japan, that growth does not mean that it has monopolised the segment, but rather is the go-to company for space segment operation.
During its history, the JSAT network has absorbed a series of fleets and constellations. Some are core constellations, some are operation for third parties and some are joint ventures. As of August 2016, the current configuration of the JSAT fleet is this:
JCSAT
With the opening of the Japanese satellite communications market to private investment, Japan Communications Satellite Company (JCSAT) and Satellite Japan Corporation were founded in 1985. In June of the same year, JCSAT awarded an order to Hughes Space and Communications for two identical satellites, JCSAT-1 and JCSAT-2, based on the spin-stabilized HS-393 satellite bus. JCSAT-1, the first commercial Japanese communications satellite, was successfully launched aboard an Ariane-44LP on 6 March 1989. Its brother (JCSAT-2), was launched aboard a Commercial Titan III on 1 January 1990.
On 1993, Japan Communications Satellite Company and Satellite Japan Corporation merged to form Japan Satellite Systems Inc. (JCSAT). That same year, JCSAT ordered JCSAT-3, a third satellite from Hughes, using the HS-601 platform. In 1995, JCSAT obtained a license for international service, and thus became a regional operator. On 29 August 1995, an Atlas IIAS successfully launched JCSAT-3 into orbit. In December 1995, JCSAT ordered a fourth satellite, JCSAT-4, with the same manufacturer and platform as JCSAT-3. On 17 February 1997, JCSAT-4 was renamed JCSAT-R after being put in orbit by an Atlas IIAS.
In June 1996, JCSAT ordered JCSAT-5, another HS-601-based satellite, and the twin JCSAT-6 in December 1996, from Hughes.
By September 1997, both JCSAT and Space Communications Corporation (SCC) had requested the 110° East position. The Japanese government made both companies share the 110° E position, and thus both made a joint order in November 1998 for N-SAT-110 from Lockheed Martin. It was also called JCSAT-7 by JCSAT, and Superbird-5 by SCC. On 2 December 1998, an Ariane-44P successfully orbited JCSAT-5, which became JCSAT-1B. JSAT-6 was rechristened as JCSAT-4A after successfully being injected in its transfer orbit by an Atlas IIAS on 16 February 1999.
In 2000, the company name was changed to JSAT Corporation, and was listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. In April of that year, JSAT ordered JCSAT-8 from Boeing Satellite Development Center (which had acquired the HS-601 business from Hughes), to replace JCSAT-2 at the 154° East slot. N-SAT-110 was successfully launched on 6 October 2000 by an Ariane 42L, at which point it was renamed JCSAT 110 and Superbird-D.
An Ariane 44L successfully launched JCSAT-8 on 28 March 2002 from Centre Spatial Guyanais. Once successfully deployed, it was renamed JCSAT-2A.
JSAT switched satellite suppliers again and, on 30 April 2003, awarded an order for JCSAT-9 to Lockheed Martin Space Systems and its A2100AXS platform. A hybrid satellite with 20 C-band, 20 Ku-band, and 1 S-band transponders, it was expected for launch in 2005 for the 132° East slot. A year later, on 20 April 2004, JSAT ordered a second satellite from Lockheed, JCSAT-10. Based on the A2100AX platform, it would have a C-band and Ku-band payload and was expected to occupy the 128° East slot after its planned 2006 launch.