MTSAT 1R is a dual mission satellite for the Japanese Ministry of Transport and the Japan Meteorological Agency performing an air traffic control and navigation function as well as a meteorological function.

MTSAT-1R is a three axis body stabilized spacecraft. It is a box-like structure, 2.4m x 2.6m x 2.6m. The overall deployed length is about 33m and a launch mass of the spacecraft is about 2900 kg (Dry mass is 1250 kg). It has a 2.7 KW Ga As solar array with 3 panels, each 2.4m x 2.6m, mounted on the South pointing side. The array rotates to track the Sun and charges the Ni-Cd batteries. The use of a single solar array allows the Imager's north-facing passive radiation cooler to view cold space. There is a 3.3m solar sail on a 15.1m boom on the North side. The solar sail counteracts the torque produced by sunlight pressure on the solar array. The trim tab on the solar array makes small adjustments to the torque balance. Two aeronautical L-band antennas (spot and global) are mounted on the East and West sides. On The Earth facing side, there are mounted the Image Sensor, the S-band Receive and Transmit antennas and the UHF antenna for for the meteorological mission and the Ku and Ka spot antennas for the aeronautical mission. Also mounted on this side is the Earth Sensor which is by the attitude control system which maintains the spacecraft's position in space using 12 small thrusters. Mounted on the West side L-band global antenna, is the TT&C (Telemetry, Tracking and Command) omni-directional antenna.

MTSAT-1R is to be launched in early 2003 and be operational by June 2003.