Posted: Thu, May 1, 2003, 8:43 AM ET (1243 GMT)
A Japanese satellite operator has selected Lockheed Martin to build a new communications satellite, the first commercial order for Lockheed in two years. Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS) will build the JCSAT-9 communications satellite for JSAT Corporation, the largest satellite operator in the Asia-Pacific region. The satellite, scheduled for launch in 2005, will be an A2100AX model; the number and types of transponders it will carry were not disclosed. The JCSAT-9 order is the first commercial satellite order for LMCSS since the company was chosen to build Nimiq 2 for Telesat Canada in mid-2001. LMCSS beat out Astrium for the contract, according to Space News. JCSAT-9 will be the second JSAT spacecraft built by LMCSS; the remainder currently in operation have been built by Boeing Satellite Systems.

Related Links:

•  Space News article (subscription required)
•  Lockheed Martin press release