Rendering of the next-generation Japanese milsatcom satellite that will replace Kirameki-2. Photo: Mitsubishi Electric

MDA Space secured a significant contract to support a next-generation defense communications satellite for Japan. Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has contracted the Canadian manufacturer to build the digital payload, antennas, and various subsystems for a communications satellite that will replace Japan’s Kirameki-2 milsatcom satellite. The Japan Ministry of Defense awarded Mitsubishi Electric the prime contract in February for the satellite and associated ground system. The satellite will have stronger interference protection and a larger communication capacity than Kirameki-2, which is an X-band communications satellite.…