Boeing

LINKING ASIA AND THE AMERICAS - Boeing Satellite Systems (BSS) is building a Boeing 601HP satellite for PanAmSat and Japan's JSAT Corporation. With a hybrid C-band and Ku-band payload, the satellite will provide coverage to North, and Central America, Alaska and Hawaii. And, from its orbital position at 127 degrees West longitude, it will also form a link between the United States and Asia using PanAmSat's Napa, California relay station and JSAT's Hawaii-based relay station. The spacecraft's payload will include 48 active transponders, 24 in Ku-band and 24 in C-band. The satellite will have a design life of 15 years. It is scheduled to launch in late 2002 aboard a Sea Launch booster.