JCSAT-1B, known as JCSAT-5 before launch, is a geostationary communications satellite operated by SKY Perfect JSAT Group (JSAT) which was designed and manufactured by Hughes (now Boeing) on the HS-601 satellite bus.
Its solar panels span 21 m (69 ft) when fully deployed and generated approximately 5 kW of power, with its antennas in fully extended configuration it is 7.6 m (25 ft) wide.
[4] In June 1996, JSAT (since then merged into SKY Perfect JSAT Group) ordered JCSAT-5 from Hughes Space and Communications Company (now Boeing Satellite Development Center), to replace JCSAT-1 at the 150° East slot.
The HS-601 based satellite would provide coverage to Japan, East Asia, Australia and Hawaii.
But after the operator designed a control scheme to handle the satellite without the failed thruster, it was put back into service.