The US-Russian ILS International Launch Services joint venture completed a unique double on 16 February by launching the Japanese JCSat 6 communications satellite (pictured) on an Atlas 2AS booster departing from Cape Canaveral. This followed the commercial launch from Baikonur on 15 February of a Proton K, carrying Loral Skynet's Telstar 6. The launches had been delayed by problems with both the spacecraft and launchers. The JCSat 6 is a Hughes Space & Communications HS 601 and the first of 19 Hughes satellites scheduled for launch in 1999.
Source: Flight International