Spacecraft Boosted Into Orbit By SpaceX Over The Weekend

The satellite designed and built by Space Systems Loral for SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation and launched by SpaceX over the weekend is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan.

The satellite, JCSAT-16, deployed its solar arrays on schedule following the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. JCSAT-16, which will provide service for video distribution and data transfer communications, began firing its main thruster early today, to navigate toward its final geostationary orbit.

"I would like to congratulate SKY Perfect JSAT and SpaceX on another successful launch, the second this year for our three companies working together," said John Celli, president of SSL. "We are honored to provide SKY Perfect JSAT with another important satellite for its fleet, and look forward to working closely together again on the launch of JCSAT-15, which is scheduled to take place later this year."

(Image provided with Space Systems Loral news release)

FMI: www.sslmda.com