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Turksat Ready To Take-Off
At the Kourou launch site in French Guiana, the Turksat-3A communications satellite built by Thales Alenia Space is ready for its boost into orbit. The launch is scheduled to occur on May 30th, with an Ariane 5 ECA rocket ready to do its duty. Based on Thales Alenia Space Spacebus 4000B2, Turksat 3A will be fitted with 24 Ku-band transponders with beginning of life power of about 8 kW. Turksat 3A satellite will enable telecommunication services as well as direct TV broadcasting services across a wider area than existing satellites covering Turkey, Europe, The Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia by owner Turksat. With the help of its switchable transponders, Turksat 3A will act as a bridge between Europe and Asia. Turksat 3A's Turkey coverage has been specially designed to provide very efficient gain for broadband applications like VSAT services giving customers low-cost, up-link opportunities. To be positioned at orbital slot 42°E, Turksat 3A will weigh 3110 kg at launch and will replace Turksat 1C satellite. Once in orbit, Turksat 3A will join four other satellites manufactured by Thales Alenia Space over the past 10 years.—Cannes, France
