Space Systems/Loral (SSL) has announced that it was selected to provide two communications satellites to SKY Perfect JSAT, a leading satellite operator based in Japan, with a fleet of 16 satellites.

The satellites, JCSAT-15 and JCSAT-16 will be used by SKY Perfect JSAT to meet the growing demand for telecommunications infrastructure in the Asia Pacific region.

"We are very honored that SKY Perfect JSAT has entrusted SSL to build its next two satellites," said John Celli, president of SSL.

"Our first satellite for SKY Perfect JSAT began construction last June and we believe there is no better endorsement of our success than repeat orders from a satisfied customer. We look forward to continuing to support SKY Perfect JSAT's business with our flexible satellite products for many years to come."

The two satellites are designed to be used for services such as video distribution, data transfer communications, and back-up service capabilities in Japan and neighboring regions. They both operate in Ku-band and provide switching for flexibility.

JCSAT-15 is a 10-kW satellite which will be located at 110 degrees East longitude where it replaces the N-SAT110 satellite currently on orbit. In addition to providing legacy service it will also provide expansion capability and it is designed with the flexibility to adjust its coverage of Japan and the Indian Ocean Region to serve the areas with the highest demand.

JCSAT-16 is an 8.5-kW satellite which is designed to be used at a broad range of orbital locations. When launched it will ensure continuous service and it will be available as a back-up to the existing fleet.

"We are very pleased to select SSL to provide SKY Perfect JSAT with our next two satellites," said Shinji Takada, Representative Director, President and CEO of SKY Perfect JSAT.

"SSL is a world leader in satellite manufacturing with a record of high quality, reliability and value and working together will help us meet the growing demand for satellite services in the region."

JCSAT-15 and 16 are both based on the highly reliable SSL 1300 satellite platform that provides the flexibility for a broad range of applications and technology advances. Scheduled for launch in 2016, the satellites are designed to deliver service for 15 years or longer.