Jul 12, 2011

Integral Systems, Inc., has been awarded a contract by SKY Perfect JSAT to upgrade its ground systems with the latest version of Integral Systems' industry leading EPOCH Integrated Product Suite (IPS) satellite command and control software. In addition to the software upgrade, Integral Systems will provide a hardware refresh to support SKY Perfect JSAT's latest satellite, JCSAT-13, scheduled for liftoff in the fourth quarter of 2011.

For more than five years, SKY Perfect JSAT has relied on Integral Systems and EPOCH IPS to operate its JCSAT-9, -10 and -12 ground systems. With the updated version of EPOCH IPS and new hardware, SKY Perfect JSAT will be able to better manage these satellites under a single system and have greater flexibility as it expands its satellite fleet to provide a broader range of services to customers.

"By selecting Integral Systems' EPOCH IPS, we are able to prepare a cost-effective ground system not only for JCSAT-13, but also for JCSAT-9, -10 and -12. In addition, with this operational commonality, we expect even more effective operations, reduction of total cost and high reliability," said Shigetaka Shinozuka, General Manager, Satellite Operations Division of SKY Perfect JSAT.

"In today's ultra-competitive environment, satellite operators are under tremendous pressure to reduce unnecessary costs," said James Kramer, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Civil and Commercial Group at Integral Systems. "With EPOCH IPS, operators are able to increase efficiencies and reduce costs by managing their entire fleet of satellites with one command and control system. This was one of the primary reasons SKY Perfect JSAT selected us yet again to integrate the JCSAT-13 satellite into their fleet operations in an efficient and cost-effective manner."

JCSAT-13 is equipped with 44 high-power Ku-band transponders and will replace JCSAT-4A at the 124 degrees East longitude orbital slot. In addition to continuing service to Japan's premier DTH platform with its Japan beam, SKY Perfect JSAT will further strengthen its services by deploying a Southeast Asia beam with an emphasis on Indonesia and Malaysia. Additionally, two steerable beams onboard the satellite will fulfill the growing demand for satellite broadcasting services and data communication networks supporting Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.