Broadcasting Satellite System Corp. (B-Sat) of Japan has authorized Lockheed Martin to begin construction of B-Sat’s next geostationary telecommunications satellite, Lockheed Martin said

The satellite, designated BSAT-3a, is based on Lockheed Martin’s A2100 platform and will carry eight 130W Ku-band channels. The satellite will be located at 110 degrees East and have a design life of 13 years. Lockheed Martin and B-Sat said they expect to sign the manufacturing contract in the next few weeks.