Arianespace has announced that it will launch BSAT-4b as part of a turnkey contract between Japanese satellite operator B-SAT and Maxar’s California-based satellite manufacturer SSL. Since the creation of B-SAT, Arianespace has launched all nine of its satellites. BSAT-4b not only marks the 10th launch but also the 32nd commercial geostationary satellite launch contract awarded to Arianespace in Japan.

Built by SSL using a 1300 platform, BSAT-4b will feature 24 Ku-band transponders. It will weigh about 3,520 kg at launch and is designed to have a nominal service life of at least 15 years. It will be positioned in geostationary orbit at 110 degrees East. BSAT-4b will serve as a back-up of BSAT-4a, which Arianespace launched in September 2017. It will have the same Japanese archipelago footprint as BSAT-4a, providing Direct-to-Home television to ensure 4K/8K ultra-high definition video distribution for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Astranis has upgraded to a dedicated Falcon 9 to launch its fourth batch of satellites. It expects to launch six MicroGEO satellites on a dedicated mission in 2028, injected directly to Geostationary Orbit (GEO) using an Impulse Space Helios upper stage. 

Astranis upgraded a contract previously signed with SpaceX in late 2024 to give the company all payload capacity on the mission, the company announced Monday. 

The company reports it has signed a number of initial customers for the launch who have not been announced yet. 

This “Block 4” mission will launch Astranis satellites 11 through 16. 

Astranis launched a dedicated Falcon 9 mission in late 2024 and is preparing for the Block 3 launch in the first quarter of 2027. Block 3’s current customer manifest is Thaicom, Chunghwa Telecom, Apco Networks, MB Group, and stc group. 

“We’ve only just begun to ramp up production to meet the demand we are seeing for commercial and national security missions,” John Gedmark, CEO and co-founder of Astranis said in a statement. “This launch means we can accelerate the critical infrastructure we’re building for customers in GEO and other higher orbits.”