Maxar Technologies has successfully launched the BSAT-4b satellite, built for Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT), the company reported on Monday.
“BSAT-4b is the second high-performance direct broadcasting satellite that Maxar has built and delivered to B-SAT in the past three years,” said Megan Fitzgerald, Maxar’s senior vice president of Space Program Delivery. “Built on Maxar’s industry-leading 1300-class bus, BSAT-4b will bring high-value information and entertainment to the people of Japan for years to come.”
Maxar’s BSAT-4b will function as a back-up geostationary satellite to BSAT-4a, which is co-located at 110 degrees East longitude. BSAT-4b has been equipped with 24 Ku-band transponders.
The satellite has been designed to provide service for a minimum of 15 years and is based on the commercial communications satellite platform, Maxar’s 1300-class bus, which is used by more than 90 active commercial GEO communication satellites today.
“Working with Maxar on BSAT-4a and BSAT-4b has exceeded our expectations; during the process of building and integrating both satellites, Maxar has consistently delivered high-quality work ahead of schedule,” said Tatsuhiko Inoue, B-SAT's president and CEO. “We look forward to continuing our relationship with Maxar in the future.”
Maxar’s BSAT-4b has deployed its solar arrays and began receiving and sending signals following the launch on the Ariane 5 rocket from the Arianespace launch base. BSAT-4b will begin firing its thrusters to start its journey to its final geosynchronous orbit at 110 degrees East longitude on Aug. 16 2020.
About Maxar
Maxar is a trusted partner and innovator in Earth Intelligence and Space Infrastructure. We deliver disruptive value to government and commercial customers to help them monitor, understand and navigate our changing planet; deliver global broadband communications; and explore and advance the use of space. Our unique approach combines decades of deep mission understanding and a proven commercial and defense foundation to deploy solutions and deliver insights with unrivaled speed, scale and cost effectiveness. Maxar’s 4,000 team members in 20 global locations are inspired to harness the potential of space to help our customers create a better world. Maxar trades on the New York Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange as MAXR.
