PanAmSat and Japan's JSAT have formed a $100 million joint venture, Horizons, to operate a communications satellite at 127íW, providing internet and other digital services in North America. A Boeing 601HP satellite has been ordered for launch late next year. The companies will jointly own the spacecraft's 24-transponder Ku-band payload, while PanAmSat will own the 24-transponder C-band payload. The Horizons spacecraft will replace PanAmSat's Galaxy IX satellite, which will be moved.
Source: Flight International