[1][2] The spacecraft was designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin on the A2100-AX satellite bus.

It would provide communications services throughout Japan and Asia and for NTT DoCoMo.As most satellites based on the A2100-AX platform, it uses a 460 N (100 lbf) LEROS-1C liquid apogee engine (LAE) for orbit raising.

[3][4] On 30 April 2003, JSAT awarded an order for JCSAT-9 to Lockheed Martin and its A2100-AXS platform.

Moreover in May 2003, JSAT leased some transponders to NTT DoCoMo to be used as N-STAR d for its WIDESTAR II service.

A hybrid satellite with 20 C-band, 20 Ku-band, and 1 S-band transponders, it was expected to launch in 2005 for the 132° East slot.