| JCSAT-4A | |
| Names List: | JCSAT-6 (order to Feb 1999) JCSAT-4A (Feb 1999 onward) |
| Mission Type: | Communications |
| Operator: | SKY Perfect JSAT Group |
| Cospar Id: | 1999-006A |
| Satcat: | 25630 |
| Mission Duration: | 14.5 years (planned) (elasped) |
| Spacecraft: | JCSAT-6 |
| Spacecraft Type: | JCSAT |
| Spacecraft Bus: | HS-601 |
| Manufacturer: | Hughes |
| Launch Date: | 16 February 1999, 01:45:26 UTC |
| Launch Rocket: | Atlas IIAS (AC-152) |
| Launch Site: | Cape Canaveral, LC-36A |
| Launch Contractor: | International Launch Services (ILS) |
| Orbit Reference: | Geocentric orbit |
| Orbit Regime: | Geostationary orbit |
| Orbit Longitude: | 124° East |
| Apsis: | gee |
| Trans Band: | 32 Ku band |
| Trans Coverage: | Japan |
| Insignia Size: | 200px |
| Programme: | JCSAT constellation |
| Previous Mission: | JCSAT-1B |
| Next Mission: | JCSAT-110 |
JCSAT-4A, designated JCSAT-6 before launch, is a Japanese geostationary communications satellite which is operated by JSAT Corporation (now SKY Perfect JSAT Group). It is positioned in geostationary orbit at a longitude of 124° East, from where it is used to provide broadcasting and corporate network communications to Japan.[1]
JCSAT-6 was constructed by Hughes, based on the HS-601 satellite bus. It is equipped with 32 Ku-band transponders, and at launch it had a mass of, with an expected operational lifespan of fourteen and a half years.[2] [3]
It was launched atop an Atlas IIAS launch vehicle flying from Launch Complex 36A at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The launch occurred at 01:45:26 UTC on 16 February 1999,[4] and successfully placed JCSAT-6 into a geostationary transfer orbit. From this orbit, the satellite raised itself into a geostationary orbit using an R-4D apogee motor.[5] The final burn to complete its insertion into geosynchronous orbit occurred on 1 March 1999.[6]