Space Systems/Loral said Wednesday it has contracted with Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Ltd. to build AsiaSat 5, a next-generation communications satellite designed to offer improved power and coverage to AsiaSat's customers across the Asia Pacific region.
AsiaSat 5, expected to launch in 2008, will be based on SS/L/s 1300 platform and carry both C-band and Ku-band transponders and will be designed for a 15 year operating lifetime. It will replace and expand the services of AsiaSat 2 at 100.5 degrees east longitude.
AsiaSat is the leading regional satellite operator in Asia. The company serves over two-thirds of the world's population with its three satellites: AsiaSat 2, AsiaSat 3S and AsiaSat 4. The AsiaSat satellite system provides services to both the broadcast and telecom industries.
The company's satellites deliver more than 240 digital television channels and 130 radio channels, reaching more than 96 million households and 360 million viewers across the Asia-Pacific region.
Many telecommunications customers use AsiaSat for services such as public telephone networks, private VSAT networks and high-speed Internet and multimedia services.
"We selected SS/L to build the AsiaSat 5 satellite after a long evaluation and are very happy with the technology and value they provide to AsiaSat," said Peter Jackson, AsiaSat's CEO. "We are especially pleased with SS/L's record of building reliable and flexible satellites and its commitment to stand behind each product."
Space Systems/Loral has an international base of commercial and governmental customers whose applications include broadband digital communications, direct-to-home broadcast, defense communications, environmental monitoring and air traffic control. SS/L satellites have amassed more than 1,200 years of reliable on-orbit service. SS/L is ISO 9001:2000 certified.
