The new BSAT-4b broadcasting satellite has safely arrived at the Arianespace launch base in Kourou, French Guiana, ahead of its launch later this summer aboard an Ariane 5 rocket. Maxar completed manufacturing and testing of the satellite for Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT) two months ahead of schedule in mid-January 2020. The success of the satellite build through integration is due to Maxar’s robust manufacturing processes combined with dedication and expertise of the entire team. In addition to BSAT-4b, Maxar has delivered four GEO broadcasting and communications satellites for the Japanese TV broadcasting market over the last five years: BSAT-4a and JCSAT-14, -15, and -16, for SKY Perfect JSAT.
B-SAT, the leading broadcasting satellite operator in Japan, ordered the BSAT-4b satellite in March 2018 to ensure exceptional 4K/8K ultra-high definition direct-to-home video distribution in the region. BSAT-4b will serve as a back-up geostationary satellite to BSAT-4a, also built by Maxar, at 110 degrees East longitude. Maxar also completed manufacturing BSAT-4a ahead of schedule, delivering it to B-SAT on-orbit in 2017.
The rendering above shows what BSAT-4b will look like on-orbit.
BSAT-4b has 24 Ku-band transponders and weighs 3,520 kg. It is designed to provide service for 15 years or longer and is based on the world’s most popular commercial communications satellite platform, Maxar’s 1300-class bus, which is used by 92 active commercial GEO communication satellites today.
Watch the launch on the Arianespace YouTube page.
BSAT-4b was loaded into an Antonov aircraft at Moffett Field in Mountain View, Calif., earlier this week to be flown to Félix Eboué Airport near the capital city of Cayenne, French Guiana for launch.