# JCSAT-5B

> Japanese comsat

**Wikidata**: [Q166872](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q166872)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JCSAT-RA)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jcsat-5b

## Summary
JCSAT-5B, also known as JCSAT-12 or JCSAT-RA, is a Japanese communications satellite operated by SKY Perfect JSAT Holdings. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, it was successfully launched on August 21, 2009, using an Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle. It serves as part of the broader JCSAT series of satellites, which began operations in 1985.

## Key Facts
- **Operator:** SKY Perfect JSAT Holdings
- **Manufacturer:** Lockheed Martin
- **Launch Date:** August 21, 2009
- **Launch Vehicle:** Ariane 5 ECA
- **Launch Site:** ELA-3
- **COSPAR ID:** 2009-044A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 35755
- **Alternate Names:** JCSAT-12, JCSAT-RA
- **Classification:** Communications satellite (JCSAT series)
- **Origin:** Japan

## FAQs
### Q: What are the different names for JCSAT-5B?
A: The satellite is also identified by the aliases JCSAT-12 and JCSAT-RA. These names refer to the same specific entity within the JCSAT constellation.

### Q: Who built and operates JCSAT-5B?
A: The satellite was manufactured by Lockheed Martin and is currently operated by SKY Perfect JSAT Holdings, a Japanese telecommunications company.

### Q: When and how was JCSAT-5B launched?
A: JCSAT-5B was launched on August 21, 2009, from the ELA-3 launch complex. It was delivered to orbit using an Ariane 5 ECA rocket.

## Why It Matters
JCSAT-5B represents a specific evolution within Japan's space-based telecommunications infrastructure. As a member of the JCSAT series—a constellation that began in 1985—it plays a role in the continuity of communication services provided by SKY Perfect JSAT Holdings. The satellite's construction by Lockheed Martin, a major US aerospace contractor, highlights the international collaboration often required for national space capabilities, utilizing the European Ariane 5 ECA heavy-lift vehicle for deployment. The existence of multiple aliases (JCSAT-12 and JCSAT-RA) indicates its specific designation within the operator's fleet management strategy, likely serving as a backup or replacement to ensure service reliability. Its launch marked a significant orbital event in 2009, tracked under COSPAR ID 2009-044A, contributing to the growing catalog of space objects managed by entities like the US Space Command (SCN 35755).

## Notable For
- **Fleet Designation:** Possesses three distinct identifiers (JCSAT-5B, JCSAT-12, JCSAT-RA), distinguishing it within the SKY Perfect JSAT fleet.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Deployed via the Ariane 5 ECA, a high-capacity European launch vehicle.
- **Heritage:** Belongs to the JCSAT series, a long-standing satellite family originating in 1985.
- **Orbital Tracking:** Uniquely identified by COSPAR ID 2009-044A and Satellite Catalog Number 35755.

## Body
### Identity and Classification
JCSAT-5B is classified as a Japanese communications satellite ("comsat"). It is an instance of the JCSAT series, a fleet of satellites managed by Japan. The satellite maintains a unique footprint in global space tracking databases via its COSPAR ID (2009-044A) and Satellite Catalog Number (35755).

### Development and Manufacturing
The satellite was manufactured by Lockheed Martin, a major global aerospace and defense contractor. It was developed specifically for operation by SKY Perfect JSAT Holdings, the primary satellite operator in Japan.

### Launch and Deployment
The launch of JCSAT-5B was a significant orbital event scheduled for 2009.
*   **Date:** The launch occurred on August 21, 2009.
*   **Vehicle:** An Ariane 5 ECA served as the launch vehicle.
*   **Location:** The mission launched from ELA-3 (Ensemble de Lancement Ariane 3), a launch pad located at the Guiana Space Centre (though the source text specifies ELA-3, it implies this location).
*   **Event:** This specific event is categorized as a "rocket launch" in structured data records.

### Nomenclature
This entity is referenced under multiple titles in technical and public documentation, including:
*   JCSAT-5B
*   JCSAT-12
*   JCSAT-RA

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report