Japan’s Sky Perfect JSAT will jointly own a new Asia Pacific-focused satellite that will complete the global footprint of Intelsat’s next gen Epic platform in H2 2018. To be called Horizons 3e, it represents their fourth joint satellite project.
Japan’s Sky Perfect JSAT (TYO:9984) will jointly own a new Asia Pacific-focused satellite that will complete the global footprint of Intelsat’s (NYSE:I) next gen Epic platform in H2 2018.
The C and high throughput Ku-band spacecraft will be called Horizons 3e and will target growing demand for mobility and broadband connectivity in the region.
It will be placed at Intelsat’s 169E slot and marks their fourth joint satellite project, following the Horizons-1 bird launched in 2003, Horizons-2 in 2007, and the Intelsat 15/JCSAT-85 lofted in 2009.
Stephen Spengler, Intelsat’s CEO said: “The scalability, power and flexibility of Intelsat EpicNG will provide commercial and governmental aeronautical and maritime services with unprecedented seamless, contiguous broadband coverage over the most widely trafficked routes from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
“In addition, the higher performance and improved economics of Intelsat EpicNG will enable fixed and mobile network operators to expand their networks and provide much needed broadband connectivity to the more remote communities of the region.”
The operator said the project will not be considered as part of its capex programme because the joint venture features equal ownership of the satellite.
For JSAT, which has four other satellites on order, the JV will expand its HTS capabilities and grow its business outside of Japan’s difficult economic climate. CEO Shinji Takada told SatelliteFinance back in January that HTS and more efficient satellites are essential for it to be competitive.
He said partnerships and cooperation with other satellite operators play an important part of its global strategy, and that it was looking to expand coverage towards the east across the Pacific Ocean Region, and the west across Central Asia, MENA and Africa, with the maritime and aero mobility markets expected to be key growth drivers.
JSAT raised about US$162m this June from an unsecured bond offering to help fund capital investments. It was the company’s first straight bond offering since its debut issuance in 2009. The group usually funds satellites with cash on hand or operating cashflow rather than debt.
The Epic class satellites are being built by Boeing (NYSE:BA), which initially developed the technology for the US government. Intelsat 29e is set to be the first of Intelsat’s next generation to go live when it launches to 310E in Q1 2016, serving the Americas and the North Atlantic. The satellite is said to have picked France-based Arianespace in what would be a rare single-payload commercial launch for its Ariane 5 rocket.
Intelsat 33e will be next, launching in H2 2016 to 60E to cover Africa, Europe and Asia.
Intelsat has said it plans to launch five more Epic satellites to provide resilience and connectivity for the busiest global routes.