MBSAT will provide 2.400 kW RF power over 25 MHz of S-band spectrum to run more than 50 channels of audio and video from 16 S-band transmitters operating at 120 W. In addition, the satellite will provide a 25 MHz Ku-band service link to transmit the broadcast signal to terrestrial repeaters. The satellite will generate more than 7.400 kW of DC power continuously throughout its 12 year life. The satellite will deploy a 12-meter antenna reflector to transmit the MBC programming. MBSAT's S-band payload, using MPEG-4 and AAC compression, will deliver CD-quality audio and TV-quality video, in addition to various types of data. The system will use code division multiplexing (CDM) MPEG-4 for video, and advanced audio coding (AAC) for audio. The system will be able to broadcast more than 50 programs simultaneously. The new spacecraft will be a version of Loral’s space-proven three-axis, body-stabilized 1300 bus.

On-orbit delivery of the spacecraft is scheduled for fourth quarter 2003 with service expected to begin in early 2004. No launch vehicle or financial details were released. 

Mobile Broadcasting Corporation was established to provide cars and mobile terminals with digital satellite broadcasting for audio, video and data services throughout Japan. MBC's new broadcasting system was authorized by the Japanese Government and registered with the ITU. The system capabilities and high performance quality have been successfully verified in dense urban locations by various field demonstrations in the Shinbashi and Ginza area of Tokyo. Dedicated first generation receiver LSI chips have been evaluated through extensive tests. The second-generation receivers with high density LSI technology will be available by mid-2002.