Japan’s Broadcasting Satellite System’s (BSAT) BSAT-2c geostationary communications satellite has been shipped to Arianespace’s launch complex in Kourou, French Guiana. The satellite will be launched aboard an Ariane 5 rocket in mid-June. Dulles, Va.-based Orbital Sciences [NYSE: ORB] manufactured the satellite for BSAT.

Over the next several weeks, a team of engineers from BSAT, Arianespace and Orbital will work to integrate the satellite with the launch vehicle and perform tests and inspections to ensure that the combined systems of the satellite and rocket are working properly.