Astra 3A is one of the Astra communications satellites owned and operated by SES, launched in 2002 to the Astra 23.5°E orbital slot to provide digital television and radio for DTH and cable, multimedia and interactive services, corporate networks, and occasional and other business services to central Europe.

The satellite provides two broadcast beams, of horizontal and vertical polarisation, across two footprints that covered essentially the same areas of Europe – principally the countries of central Europe.

JCSAT-2A, known as JCSAT-8 before launch, is a geostationary communications satellite operated by SKY Perfect JSAT Group (JSAT) which was designed and manufactured by Boeing on the BSS-601 platform. It has Ku band and C band transponders and was used to replace JCSAT-2 at the 154°East longitude. It covers Japan, East Asia, Australia, and Hawaii.

The spacecraft was designed and manufactured by Boeing on the BSS-601 satellite bus. It had a launch mass of 2,460 kg (5,420 lb) a power production of 3.7 kW and an 11-year design life. Stowed for launch it measured 3.6 m × 2.7 m × 4.3 m (11.8 ft × 8.9 ft × 14.1 ft), with its solar panels and antennas deployed it measured 21 m × 4.3 m × 7.6 m (69 ft × 14 ft × 25 ft).