GT Satellite Systems S.A. (GTSS) and Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS) have signed a long term, multiple transponder deal which would provide GTSS with expansion capacity on the new ABS-2 satellite scheduled to be launched in 2012.

As part of the multi-year contract, GTSS will significantly expand its existing capacity on ABS-1 by leasing multiple Ku-band transponders on the powerful ABS-2 Russia/CIS Beam for further expansion of its TV distribution services from the most popular CATV channels location in Russia, and its newly launched “Raduga TV” DTH platform. ABS-2 will be co-located with ABS-1 at 75 degrees East. ABS-2 will be the most powerful commercial satellite ever launched in the Asia Pacific region, with nearly 14 KW of payload power and up to 78 active C-band, Ku-band and Ka-band transponders across 8 different beams. It is designed for 15 years of operational life. The ABS-2 spacecraft will be manufactured by Space Systems/Loral and launched by Arianespace.

GTSS, a Luxembourg-based group offers, together with its Russian subsidiaries, satellite products and a wide range of services on delivery, postproduction, and distribution of TV and radio programs, satellite Internet and data transmission, provision of communication channels, production, and distribution of payTV content across Russia, CIS, and Baltic states.