MUMBAI: Arianespace CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall announced at the Paris Air Show that Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems had selected Arianespace to launch the BSat-3a spacecraft for the Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-Sat) of Japan.

BSat-3a will be launched on an Ariane 5 in the second quarter of 2007 from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

BSAT-3a will be the sixth satellite entrusted by the B-Sat Corporation to the European Ariane launcher and the 38th Lockheed Martin platform to be lofted by Arianespace. This is the 22nd satellite payload that Arianespace has won in Japan out of the 30 that have been open to commercial launch services competition.

BSat-3a will be built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems at its facility in Newtown, Pennsylvania, using an A2100 A platform. Weighing approximately 2,000 kgs. at liftoff, it will be positioned at 110 degrees East longitude and will have a design life of more than 13 years.

The BSat-3a's payload of eight 130-Watt Ku-band transponders will provide direct-to-home broadcasts from a geostationary orbit to subscribers throughout Japan.

"We are honored to work once again with Lockheed Martin's satellite division. This contract underscores the strong relationship we have developed over the years with LMCSS. We are of course also very proud to serve a faithful customer like B-Sat Corporation," said Le Gall.

"We have chosen Arianespace because of the commitment to excellence they bring to satellite launch. We are pleased that once again we will be working with them," said LMCSS president Ted Gavrilis.