Boeing Press ReleaseEL SEGUNDO, Calif., Feb. 20, 2017 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] will build a 702 satellite to expand communication for mobile telephone, data and internet users throughout the Asia-Pacific region.The satellite, owned and operated by SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation and Kacific Broadband Satellites, has two distinct payloads. The JCSAT-18 payload will improve mobile and broadband services for SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation customers in Asia Pacific including Far East Russia. The Kacific-1 payload for Kacific Broadband Satellites will provide high-speed Ka-band satellite broadband internet to more than 20 countries in South East Asia and the Pacific.JCSAT-18/Kacific-1 is scheduled to launch in 2019.“The scalable Boeing 702 satellite is a flight-proven design that we are evolving to meet the future needs of our customers,” said Mark Spiwak, president of Boeing Satellite Systems International. “The combined JCSAT-18 and Kacific-1 satellite has the flexibility to accommodate various business requirements to meet the needs of both SKY Perfect JSAT and Kacific.”Since the 1980s, Boeing has built 10 satellites for the JSAT Corporation and Space Communications Corporation, both now part of SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation.
Kacific selects SpaceX to provide launch serviceKacific Broadband Satellites Group (Kacific) has selected SpaceX as the launch provider for its Kacific-1 satellite, which is being built by The Boeing Company.Kacific-1 will be launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9, a two-stage orbit-class rocket designed from the ground-up for maximum reliability and reusability.“SpaceX has a breadth of vision that appeals to us,” says Christian Patouraux, Kacific CEO. “The company is committed to changing the way people think about space and the possibilities it represents. Signing with SpaceX as our launch service provider is a major step towards delivering our own vision. We look forward to seeing Kacific-1 atop a Falcon 9 Rocket in 2019.”“SpaceX is proud to partner with Kacific on the milestone launch of the company’s first satellite, Kacific-1.” said Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX. “We appreciate their confidence in our proven capabilities and look forward to delivering their satellite to orbit.”In February 2017 Kacific placed an order with The Boeing Company for the Kacific-1 satellite. Based on the reliable 702 satellite platform, Kacific-1 is designed to deliver high speed broadband via 56 narrow Ka-band beams, with the most powerful signal level ever achieved in a commercial satellite in the South East Asia and Pacific regions.
In a Sept. 5 statement to SpaceNews, Kacific said the operator and Sky Perfect Jsat have yet to decide whether the launch will use a new or pre-flown Falcon 9.“We have not yet made that decision, and will do so with our launch partners,” Kacific said.
New #Boeing 702 satellite for SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation and Kacific Broadband Satellites passes critical design review, moving into production phase toward 2019 launch. #satellites
Kacific’s contract includes a planned upgrade for Timor-Leste’s healthcare broadband services following the activation of the operator’s new Kacific-1 satellite, which is scheduled for launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in late 2019.
The Boeing satellite factory has announced that the Kacific-1 satellite construction has moved into initial testing stages. The satellite is owned by Kacific, a private company registered in Vanuatu, and is scheduled for launch in 2019. The satellite will offer broadband services for Vanuatu customers and to the Pacific islands.Boeing has started integration and testing of the Kacific-1 payload, which consists of the communications electronics. It has also started integration and testing of the satellite platform which includes the power and propulsion systems. The communications antennas are being prepared for range tests starting in the next few weeks.
Patouraux said Kacific-1, a high-throughput Ka-band “condosat” that shares the same chassis as Japanese operator Sky Perfect JSAT’s JCSAT-18, is slated for launch in the third quarter of 2019. Boeing is building the satellite....Originally announced with 57 beams, Patouraux said Kacific and Boeing finalized the design of Kacific-1 with 56 beams after a final tweak to the satellite’s coverage in 2017. All but two beams have pre-launch customers, he said.
KACIFIC1 HIGH THROUGHPUT SATELLITEKacific1 is a next-generation geostationary satellite operating in the Ka-band frequency spectrum. The satellite will launch in late 2019 and stream low-cost, high-speed, reliable, and stable satellite broadband via 56 powerful spot beams. Wide reaching coverage will extend over 25 countries in Asia Pacific with populations spread across their many islands, mountainous and rural regions. Utilising advanced ground segment technologies, Kacific1 will deliver fast internet speeds with a robust quality of service on a small user terminals at a jaw dropping price per month.MANUFACTURED BY BOEING. LAUNCHED BY SPACEXDesigned and built by Boeing, the Kacific1 payload is supported by the reliable 702 MP platform. Kacific1 will launch atop a two-stage SpaceX Falcon9 rocket, which will ultimately bring Kacific1 into geostationary orbit.Kacific and SKY Perfect JSAT share the cost of the satellite platform in a condominium arrangement. This platform supports the Kacific1 payload and a payload of SKY Perfect JSAT, which allows both parties to realise efficiencies in manufacturing and launch costs.Kacific1’s coverage was designed with additional capacity expansion in mind. By launching other follow-on satellites into different orbital positions, Kacific will be able to provide additional capacity in the Kacific1 coverage areas requiring more, as well as increase the total coverage area.HIGH THROUGHPUTKacific1 is a High Throughput Satellite (HTS) because it reuses the same spectrum (frequencies) multiple times in the 56 spot beams. This stands in contrast to traditional FSS satellites with wide area beams that can use the spectrum only once. In a sense, an HTS is similar to a mobile cellular system that reuses frequencies between cells. Consequently, the total HTS throughput is much higher than an FSS satellite resulting in greater spectral efficiency and therefore lower cost per bandwidth. Modern technologies such as adaptive coding and modulation (ACM), signal pre-distortion and uplink power control are used to increase the throughput and overall availability, and, ultimately, improve the quality of service and user experience.TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 56 high throughput spot beams Delivering up to 60 Gbps of broadband capacity 550 to 600 ms latency Ka-band system Geostationary orbit 6,800 kg at launch 13 kw of electric power
Since JCSat 18/Kacific 1 is 6.8 tons, is it likely that the Falcon 9 will take it to a sub-synchronous transfer orbit since the first stage might make a droneship landing?
.@kacific signs 15-yr deal w/ Tonga for sat capacity to outer islands from Kacific-1, condosat with JSat-18 to launch this yr; expansion to main Tonga centers in event of cable outage like one in January. Pictured: Kacific CEO C. Patouraux, Tonga Commerce Minister Tevita Tui'Uata
[A] Falcon 9 from pad 40 will launch in September.
Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 06/26/2019 02:31 pm[A] Falcon 9 from pad 40 will launch in September.My guess is that the September launch is actually Starlink-2 rather than JCSAT, but it's just a feeling.
Kacific1 Milestones: Bus and Payload Integration CompleteJul 04 2019If you were to step inside the Boeing Satellite Systems International (Boeing) Factory in California, you would see that Kacific1 has doubled in size from a month ago. The payload and bus modules are now successfully tested and integrated, and the spacecraft is proceeding along in single-line flow.Solar arrays, which will convert the sun’s rays into electricity to provide power to the satellite, and its antenna reflectors which focus the electromagnetic waves into the high-power spot beams, are being installedThe XIPS (Xenon Ion Propulsion System) electric thrusters are also being fitted. Electric propulsion systems are lighter than chemical propulsion systems, and so allowed Kacific to place more communications hardware on board.Boeing will soon begin vibration and acoustic tests to simulate the harsh launch environment. These tests will be followed by spacecraft thermal vacuum tests (SCTV). SCTV tests simulate the space environment to ensure that the spacecraft will remain healthy for its 15-year design life. Other activities underway include launch, mission and in-orbit test planning.For Kacific1 to provide connectivity to many small VSAT terminals across Asia Pacific, it needs to connect to a powerful RF ground system. Kratos Defence and Security Solutions is designing, building and commissioning our multi-site gateways, which includes large 9-metre antennas and the high power amplifier equipment needed to transmit to space. Currently the RF gateway hardware is being shipped to the sites for installation.At each RF gateway is a Kacific hub where connections to the internet are established. These hubs are based on the Newtec Dialog® multiservice platform and are currently being built in Belgium. They will soon undergo a factory acceptance test (FAT). Each of the hubs will be controlled at the Kacific network operations center (NOC) in Singapore, which is also being developed.We’re keeping in regular contact with our technology partners to provide exciting updates and successful test results. All systems are firing here at Kacific as we begin the countdown to Kacific1 service commencing.
QuoteKacific1 Milestones: Bus and Payload Integration CompleteJul 04 2019<snip>Solar arrays, which will convert the sun’s rays into electricity to provide power to the satellite, and its antenna reflectors which focus the electromagnetic waves into the high-power spot beams, are being installed.The XIPS (Xenon Ion Propulsion System) electric thrusters are also being fitted. <snip>Boeing will soon begin vibration and acoustic tests to simulate the harsh launch environment. These tests will be followed by spacecraft thermal vacuum tests (SCTV). SCTV tests simulate the space environment to ensure that the spacecraft will remain healthy for its 15-year design life.<snip>https://kacific.com/news/kacific1-milestones-bus-and-payload-integration-complete
Kacific1 Milestones: Bus and Payload Integration CompleteJul 04 2019<snip>Solar arrays, which will convert the sun’s rays into electricity to provide power to the satellite, and its antenna reflectors which focus the electromagnetic waves into the high-power spot beams, are being installed.The XIPS (Xenon Ion Propulsion System) electric thrusters are also being fitted. <snip>Boeing will soon begin vibration and acoustic tests to simulate the harsh launch environment. These tests will be followed by spacecraft thermal vacuum tests (SCTV). SCTV tests simulate the space environment to ensure that the spacecraft will remain healthy for its 15-year design life.<snip>
Quote from: scr00chy on 06/26/2019 02:43 pmQuote from: zubenelgenubi on 06/26/2019 02:31 pm[A] Falcon 9 from pad 40 will launch in September.My guess is that the September launch is actually Starlink-2 rather than JCSAT, but it's just a feeling.There was a recent schedule update on L2 so hopefully Chris will post or tweet about it soon on the public side. That is all I can say at this time.L2 link to that update is: https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=48427.0
FY2019 starts on October 1st, so I believe your conclusion based on that slide is incorrect. If the slide is accurate, then the launch should happen before the start of October.
Kacific 1 to launch 2020
In the last two weeks, Kacific has put out two press releases saying they are launching in 2019.https://kacific.com/news/agile-players-gravity-and-kacific-bring-competition-to-broadband-market/https://kacific.com/news/kacific-taps-abs-ground-infrastructure-for-its-gateway-services-to-the-philippines-and-the-greater-pacific-region/This press release was published yesterday by a Kacific customer:https://www.capacitymedia.com/articles/3824202/kacific1-satellite-to-stream-broadband-to-new-zealanders-but-too-late-for-the-rugbyQuoteHowever, with the cup final due on 2 November, fans won’t be able to use Kacific1 to watch matches this time round. SpaceX has not yet fixed the launch date beyond saying it will be in November on a Falcon 9 rocket.
However, with the cup final due on 2 November, fans won’t be able to use Kacific1 to watch matches this time round. SpaceX has not yet fixed the launch date beyond saying it will be in November on a Falcon 9 rocket.
Quote from: gongora on 09/10/2019 08:09 pmIn the last two weeks, Kacific has put out two press releases saying they are launching in 2019.https://kacific.com/news/agile-players-gravity-and-kacific-bring-competition-to-broadband-market/https://kacific.com/news/kacific-taps-abs-ground-infrastructure-for-its-gateway-services-to-the-philippines-and-the-greater-pacific-region/This press release was published yesterday by a Kacific customer:https://www.capacitymedia.com/articles/3824202/kacific1-satellite-to-stream-broadband-to-new-zealanders-but-too-late-for-the-rugbyQuoteHowever, with the cup final due on 2 November, fans won’t be able to use Kacific1 to watch matches this time round. SpaceX has not yet fixed the launch date beyond saying it will be in November on a Falcon 9 rocket.
Quote from: StuffOfInterest on 08/11/2019 11:40 amFY2019 starts on October 1st, so I believe your conclusion based on that slide is incorrect. If the slide is accurate, then the launch should happen before the start of October.I thought the Japanese FY started on 1st April?
Mission 1429, commercial payload1639-EX-ST-2019 Pre-launch payload testing (NET Oct. 25)1690-EX-ST-2019 Launch Comms (NET Nov. 11)
Recovery permit for the JCSAT-18 flight. I guess it must be subsynchronous GTO at that mass.1691-EX-ST-2019North 28 19 22 West 73 55 47 ASDS position
Quote from: gongora on 09/10/2019 04:05 amMission 1429, commercial payload1639-EX-ST-2019 Pre-launch payload testing (NET Oct. 25)1690-EX-ST-2019 Launch Comms (NET Nov. 11)
Kacific 1/JCSat 18 launch date NET November 11, 2019.From SFN Launch Schedule, updated September 12
1856-EX-ST-2019Looks like JCSAT-18 may be moving to Pad 39A. At the very least, they now have the option to launch the mission from either pad.
On the way. The Boeing-built SKY Perfect JSAT and @kacific satellite has left our satellite factory and is now heading to Cape Canaveral for its upcoming launch. It will soon expand communication services and internet access to millions throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
The Boeing Satellite Systems International (Boeing) Factory in California has shipped the Kacific1 satellite. It’s now enroute to SpaceX’s launch operations site in Cape Canaveral, Florida, where it will be prepared for launch atop a Falcon9 rocket.
Japanese operator Sky Perfect JSAT says the Falcon 9 launch of JCSAT-18/Kacific-1 is scheduled for December, having slipped from Q3.
From SpaceX: Media accreditation is now open for SpaceX’s JCSAT-18/KACIFIC-1 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch is targeted for no earlier than December.
I thought JCSat 18/Kacific 1 was launching from 39A as stated by Michael Baylor.
Kacific1 satellite arrives at SpaceX launch site in Cape Canaveral, FloridaNov 15 2019Cape Canaveral, FL. 14 November 2019 – The Kacific1 communications satellite, built by Boeing, has arrived at SpaceX facilities in Cape Canaveral, Florida, where it will be launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket to geostationary orbit.Owned by Kacific Broadband Satellites Group (Kacific), this next-generation high-throughput Ka-band satellite will stream broadband to 25 nations in South East Asia and the Pacific Islands via 56 spot beams. Kacific1 is based on Boeing’s reliable 702MP-satellite platform and will provide the most powerful signal level ever achieved in a commercial satellite in the region.Christian Patouraux, Kacific CEO, founded the company in 2013 with the vision to provide high speed, affordable and accessible internet to extra-urban, rural and remote users. He saw a critical, unmet need in the Asia Pacific region, where high prices and unsuitable technology were prohibiting access. By combining next-generation satellite technology with a lean business model that cuts out the middleman, Patouraux has developed valuable infrastructure for local organisations and people.Kacific1 will deliver high-speed broadband services to previously unserved or under-served people in nations where populations are widely dispersed, and therefore expensive to connect. Many of these nations are archipelagos or have rugged mountain ranges and large rural territories, making satellite technology the best – and sometimes only – way to connect to the internet and phone networks. The Kacific system will be particularly appealing to the needs of health and education departments in provinces and villages. Furthermore, satellite broadband access provides critical communications channels to a region which is often victim to tropical storms, cyclones, earthquakes and tsunamis.The Kacific1 payload will share a satellite bus platform with JCSAT-18, ordered by SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation.Kacific has been recognised globally for its work towards better social outcomes through communications technology. Kacific won the Best Digital Inclusion Award 2019 at ICT Days, Vanuatu, and received a Better World Satellite Award in 2018 from the Satellite and Space Professionals International.### ENDS ###
Now this is the next launch, in 9 days, from KSC/CC, from LC-39A.When will SpaceX suspend Starship pad work in favor of this launch campaign? It would have to be suspended for the static fire as well?Are there any outstanding issues regarding 39A, or is it ready to go?
Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 12/06/2019 07:46 pmNow this is the next launch, in 9 days, from KSC/CC, from LC-39A.When will SpaceX suspend Starship pad work in favor of this launch campaign? It would have to be suspended for the static fire as well?Are there any outstanding issues regarding 39A, or is it ready to go?It's going from LC-40, not 39A
Yup, next week's gonna be busy. #SpaceX targeting NET Monday, Dec. 16, for #Falcon9 launch from Cape Canaveral AFS with JCSAT-18 / Kacific-1. Launch hazard area in effect from 1700 to 2130 ET (2200 to 0230 UTC). Drone ship.
Kacific said it recently secured $160 million from the Philippines-based Asian Development Bank and GuarantCo, a European- and Australian-government backed infrastructure investment organization, along with other financiers. The $160 million enables Kacific to repay the short-term loans it obtained while Ex-Im Bank’s lending window was effectively closed to satellite deals, the company said.
Kacific1 is now fully encapsulated and waiting for assembly with Falcon 9. #Kacific1 #TheHeartofBroadband
Current positions of Tug Hawk/OCISLY and GO Quest. The winds were a bit gnarly at 20 kn closer to shore. It is a little calmer at their current location with 12 kn. Quest has almost caught up to Hawk who is starting to stabilize at 5 kn/hr. #SpaceXFleet #JCSAT
It appears GO Quest is following in the wake of Tug Hawk and OCISLY. The #JCSAT mission has begun. Fair winds and following seas. Be safe out there! #SpaceXFleet
If the launch is not delayed (and I didn't miss something), it should be the shortest turnaround at a single pad for SpaceX.11 days, 6 hours, 40 minutes, 36 seconds if they launch when the window opens. 12 days, 1 hour, 21 minutes, 4 seconds is the current record as far as I know (CRS-18 -> AMOS-17).
Webcast up on YouTube, haven't changed the webcast page yet on their site.
SpaceX has updated its Mars terraforming render - as seen on the webcast splashscreen of tomorrow's JCSAT-18 mission.
Launch patch from the press kit
Any word on the fairing recovery?
When is the Dragon in-flight Abort test happening?
Quote from: Brian45 on 12/16/2019 11:34 pmAny word on the fairing recovery?Fairing recovery won't happen until around 45 minutes after launch; by that point, payload deployment would have already occurred.
Quote from: ZachS09 on 12/16/2019 11:37 pmQuote from: Brian45 on 12/16/2019 11:34 pmAny word on the fairing recovery?Fairing recovery won't happen until around 45 minutes after launch; by that point, payload deployment would have already occurred.Yeah, but enough time has passed now. Time for some word from "My Fair(ing) Ladies!" Wouldn't it be luverly?
Is it just me, or is SpaceX getting better at keeping the drone ship signal strong during the landing? It didn't look like there were any dropouts.
Is it just me, or did it look like the core almost took back off from OCISLY? Maybe it was just an optical illusion from all the shadows, but I swear it looked like engine cutoff was a little late. Congrats regardless on the bulls eye landing, optical illusion or no.
Quote from: ZachS09 on 12/16/2019 11:25 pmIs it just me, or is SpaceX getting better at keeping the drone ship signal strong during the landing? It didn't look like there were any dropouts. I told Elon how to fix it a few months ago. Maybe he was listening.
Quote from: Nomadd on 12/17/2019 12:52 amQuote from: ZachS09 on 12/16/2019 11:25 pmIs it just me, or is SpaceX getting better at keeping the drone ship signal strong during the landing? It didn't look like there were any dropouts. I told Elon how to fix it a few months ago. Maybe he was listening.I would have thought that Jami ( https://mobile.twitter.com/GLTCprincess ) would be the right person to talk on this. As far as I know, Jami is in charge of webcasts of SpaceX.Out of interest, what did you tell them?
Can anyone tell me when OCISLY is returning to Port? I came down from Charlotte to see the launch and hoping to see the core returning before I return. Thanks
B1056 has been secured and Of Course I Still Love You is underway towards Port Canaveral!
Congratulations to SpaceX, SKY Perfect JSAT and Kacific for the successful launch and landing!GTO cutoff was 33,700 km/h at 281 km. Assuming a 27 degree initial inclination, I get an apogee of 20463.1 km and a delta-V to GEO of 2169.5 m/s.
New cataloged object with initial orbital parameters:2019-091A - 2019-12-17 05:00 UTC - 272.73/20319.41km/26.87°
