Japanese communications satellite operator B-SAT has contracted Orbital Sciences Corp. to build and launch another direct-to-home TV broadcasting satellite to replace the one lost in the failed launch of an Arianespace Ariane 5 rocket in July.

An artist's concept of BSAT-2b. Photo: Orbital

The Ariane 5's upper stage suffered from "combustion instability" during its ignition, causing an improper mixture of oxidizer and fuel. In turn, that resulted in a reduced thrust level and an early shut down of the stage's engine, stranding BSAT-2b and the European Artemis satellite in uselessly low orbits.

BSAT-2b didn't have enough onboard fuel to boost itself into the correct orbit, leading officials to declare the satellite a loss.

The other BSAT-2 craft -- BSAT-2a -- was successfully placed into orbit by an earlier Ariane 5 launch in March. Since then, the craft has been put into commission and is currently operating as expected.

The newly ordered satellite will be called BSAT-2c and will be virtually identical to BSAT-2b, which was supposed to serve as a backup to BSAT-2a. This replacement bird will fill that role and will likely be located along with BSAT-2a in geostationary orbit at 110 degrees East, 22,300 miles above the island of Borneo.

The launch of BSAT-2c is scheduled for the first quarter of 2003, but a launch system has not yet been announced. Financial details of the deal were also not disclosed.

The BSAT-2 spacecraft provide relay capabilities for Japanese direct-to-home digital television programming at much higher resolutions and in a wider-screen format than the older analog systems.

Like the other members of the Japanese BSAT-2 fleet, BSAT-2c will be based on Orbital Sciences' "STAR" platform design. Weighing in at around 3,000 pounds, these satellite designs provide a less expensive alternative to the traditional larger communications craft.

"The BSAT-2 program highlights our unique GEO (Geostationary Orbit) satellite capabilities," Dr. Ali Atia, leader of the communications satellite sector of Orbital Sciences, said. "We look forward to working with B-SAT once again to deliver a system that provides television service in an affordable, reliable manner."

This contract for Orbital Sciences comes just over a week after an Orbital Sciences Taurus rocket and two Orbital-built satellites were lost during a launch failure of the Taurus rocket.