Space Systems/Loral, a subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications, has received an authorization to proceed (ATP) from Mobile Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) of Japan to design and build MBSAT, a satellite that will deliver digital multimedia information services such as CD-quality audio, MPEG-4 video and data to mobile users throughout Japan. On-orbit delivery of the spacecraft is scheduled for fourth quarter 2003 with service expected to begin in early 2004.

The MBC services are the first in the world to deliver not only high-quality music but also video and data to mobile users through various kinds of mobile receiver terminals including those in cars, ships, trains, handheld terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular phones and home portables. A very small antenna will be sufficient to receive MBC broadcasting signals even inside office buildings and in vehicles moving at high speed. MBC will supplement their satellite service with terrestrial signal repeaters.

MBSAT will provide 2400 watts RF power over 25 MHz of S-band spectrum to run more than 50 channels of audio and video from 16 S-band transmitters operating at 120W. In addition, the satellite will provide a 25 MHz Ku-band service link to transmit the broadcast signal to terrestrial repeaters. The satellite will generate more than 7,400 watts of DC power continuously throughout its 12-year life. The satellite will deploy a 12-meter antenna reflector to transmit the MBC programming.

MBSAT's S-band payload, using MPEG-4 and AAC compression, will deliver CD-quality audio and TV-quality video, in addition to various types of data. The system will use code division multiplexing (CDM) MPEG-4 for video, and advanced audio coding (AAC) for audio. The system will be able to broadcast more than 50 programs simultaneously.

The new spacecraft will be a version of SS/L's space-proven three-axis, body-stabilized 1300 bus, tailored to meet the specific requirements of MBC. SS/L's satellites are designed to achieve long useful orbital life through use of bipropellant propulsion and momentum-bias systems for excellent station-keeping and orbital stability. A system of high-efficiency solar arrays and lightweight batteries provide uninterrupted electrical power. SS/L satellites have amassed more than 800 years of reliable on-orbit service.

Mobile Broadcasting Corporation was established to provide cars and mobile terminals with digital satellite broadcasting for audio, video and data services throughout Japan. MBC's new broadcasting system was authorized by the Japanese Government and registered with the ITU. Already the system capabilities and high performance quality have been successfully verified in dense urban locations by various field demonstrations in the Shinbashi and Ginza area of Tokyo. Dedicated first generation receiver LSI chips have been evaluated through extensive tests. The second-generation receivers with high density LSI technology will be available by mid-2002.

MBC's major shareholders are Toshiba, Toyota, Fujitsu, Nippon TV and Panasonic. So far 42 Japanese companies are MBC partners. New Japanese investors will be announced soon. Also, several foreign companies own significant interests in the MBC business venture while several others are currently considering investment.

Space Systems/Loral is one of the world's premier designers, manufacturers and integrators of powerful satellites and satellite systems. SS/L also provides a range of related services, including mission control operations and procurement of launch services. Based in Palo Alto, California, the company has an international base of commercial and governmental customers whose applications include broadcast video distribution, broadband digital communications, direct-to-home broadcast, environmental monitoring and air traffic control. SS/L is ISO 9001 certified.

Loral Space & Communications is a high technology company that concentrates primarily on satellite manufacturing and satellite-based services, including broadcast transponder leasing and value added services, domestic and international corporate data networks, broadband data transmission, content and Internet services.