JSAT (satellite constellation)

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 the fifth of the world. It has practically amalgamated all private satellite operators in Japan, with only B-SAT left as a local competitor.

It began in 1985 with the opening 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, in includes the fleets of three previously mentioned companies, Horizons Satellite and NTT DoCoMo and the DSN military network.

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 meant that it has monopolized 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:

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. On 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 March 6, 1989. It's brother, was launched aboard a Commercial Titan III on Januar 1, 1990.

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