In June 1994, Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation of Tokyo (B-SAT) contracted with Hughes Space and Communications International, Inc. (HSCI), to purchase two HS 376 satellites, designated BSAT-1a and BSAT-1b, and launch services. The spacecraft were to provide broadcast services to more than 10 million customers throughout Japan via NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), WOWOW (Japan Satellite Broadcasting, Inc.), and others. The satellites provided four-channel viewing capabilities to homes with small, low-cost dishes, making the BSAT-1 system environmentally friendly as well as affordable. In October 2000, HSCI became a part of Boeing Satellite Development Center.