Mitsubishi Electric Corp. said Nov. 1 that Space Communications Corp. (SCC) placed an order for a new communications satellite to be named Superbird 7. This is the first SCC satellite manufacturing order to go to a non-U.S. manufacturer, Mitsubishi said.

Superbird 7 will carry 28 Ku-band transponders and is expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2008. No launch contract has been awarded. The satellite will reside at 144 degrees East, replacing Superbird C, which currently is used for cable television delivery, satellite news gathering, intra-corporate and mobile communications ventures.

The contract calls for delivery-in-orbit of Superbird 7, meaning Mitsubishi will be responsible for manufacturing, procuring launch services and in-orbit testing. Mitsubishi did not immediately name a launch service provider.