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


JCSAT-5 SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHED

KOUROU, French Guiana, Dec. 3, 1997 -- JCSAT-5, a powerful communications satellite for Japan, was successfully launched last night and has sent its first signals.

The spacecraft is the fifth built for Japan Satellite Systems, Inc. (JSAT), by Hughes Space and Communications Company (HSC). Liftoff was at 7:52 p.m. local time aboard an Ariane 44P rocket. The spacecraft separated from the launch vehicle about 21 minutes later. About an hour after launch, JSAT's Yokohama Satellite Control Center received its first signals from the spacecraft, confirming that it is operating normally.

JCSAT-5 is a Hughes HS 601 body-stabilized model satellite. It will relay voice, data and television signals among Japan, the Asia-Pacific region and Hawaii. With its solar panels generating approximately 5000 watts, the satellite will operate 32 active transponders in Ku-band. It is expected to provide at least 12 years of service from its orbital slot of 150 degrees East longitude.

JCSAT-5 is the 36th spacecraft to be launched in the popular HS 601 series, and the sixth Hughes-built satellite to be launched this year. HSC is the world's leading manufacturer of commercial communications satellites, having built nearly 40 percent of those in operation. Hughes also built Japan's GMS weather satellites.

HSC is a unit of Hughes Electronics Corporation. The earnings of Hughes Electronics are used to calculate the earnings per share attributable to GMH (NYSE symbol) common stock.

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