JCSAT-RA, previously known as JCSAT-12,[2] is a Japanese geostationary communications satellite, which is operated by SKY Perfect JSAT Group.

It was ordered to replace the JCSAT-11 satellite which was lost in a launch failure on a Proton-M/Briz-M rocket in 2007, and is currently used as an on-orbit spare satellite; a role in which it replaced the older JCSAT-R spacecraft, providing a reserve for if one of the company's other satellites fails.

[2] The contract to build JCSAT-12 was awarded on 6 September 2007, the day after JCSAT-11 failed to reach orbit.

[3] It was launched, along with the Australian Optus D3 satellite, by Arianespace.

JCSAT-12 separated from its carrier rocket into a geosynchronous transfer orbit, from which raise itself to geostationary orbit using a LEROS-1C apogee motor.