The JCSAT-9 telecommunications satellite is in position and counting down to its scheduled launch on late Wednesday.
The Lockheed-built A2100 spacecraft will join the JCSAT constellation that covers the Pacific Rim region. It is the first of three satellites Lockheed will deliver to Japan's JSAT Corp. this year.
JCSAT-9 carries 20 Ku-band and 20 C-band transponders and will operate from 132 degrees east for the next 12 years.
Liftoff will take place at 7:30 p.m. EDT aboard a commercial rocket launch from a Sea Launch floating platform in the tropical Pacific.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International
