Satellite operation entails monitoring and control of communications satellites’ operational status and orbit. The satellites used by SKY Perfect JSAT to provide communication and broadcasting services are geostationary satellites. The orbital position of geostationary satellites varies slightly according to the gravitational pull of the sun and the moon as well as other factors. This requires regular confirmation of the orbital position using “ranging,” or measurement of the distance from Earth to the satellite. It also requires other measures that include maneuvering by firing small jets known as “thrusters” to adjust the orbital position and attitude. In addition, the temperature, voltage and current in each part of the satellite are monitored to confirm that it is always operating optimally.

Interference caused by an unusually high volume of signals reaching a communications satellite can affect the quality of the connection, impairing communication by customers. Communication link operation entails monitoring and control of the satellite connection, which uses transponders mounted on the satellite. Staff are checking 24 hours a day to ensure that there is no interference caused by disruption in the satellite connection, or malfunction/operational error at the earth station. They also conduct uplink access tests (UAT) on fixed, mobile and in-vehicle receiving stations to check transmission levels and to confirm that frequencies are set correctly.