HUGHES SPACE AND COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY Communications and Customer Relations P.O. Box 92919 (S10/S323) Los Angeles, CA 90009 (310) 364-6363

JCSAT-4 SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHED

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., Feb. 17, 1997 -- JCSAT-4, a communications satellite for Japan Satellite Systems, Inc., was successfully launched last night. This also was the first launch of the year for a spacecraft built by Hughes Space and Communications Company.

Liftoff was at 8:42 p.m. EST aboard a Lockheed Martin Atlas IIAS rocket. The spacecraft separated from the launch vehicle about 28 minutes later. About 10:00 p.m. EST, about 1 1/4 hours after launch, JSAT's Yokohama Satellite Control Center received its first signals from the spacecraft, confirming that it is operating normally.

JCSAT-4 is a Hughes HS 601 body-stabilized model satellite. It will relay voice, data and television signals to Japan, with multiple beams for international coverage west to India, south to Australia and New Zealand, and east to Hawaii. With its solar panels generating approximately 5000 watts, the satellite will operate 12 active C-band transponders and 28 active Ku-band transponders. It is expected to provide at least 12 years of service from its orbital slot of 124 degrees East longitude.

JCSAT-4 is the 33rd spacecraft to be launched in the popular HS 601 series. Hughes is the world's leading manufacturer of commercial communications satellites, having built more than 40 percent of those in operation.