AsiaSat Issues RFP for AsiaSat 5to Replace AsiaSat 2 in 2008

HONG KONG, July 20, 2005/Satnews Daily/ — Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co. Ltd (AsiaSat) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the procurement of AsiaSat 5, a replacement satellite for AsiaSat 2 at the orbital location of 100.5 degrees East scheduled for 2008.

Asiasat said the new spacecraft will be a new generation communications satellite designed to offer improved power and coverage across the Asia Pacific region.

AsiaSat 2 is AsiaSat's second satellite and was at the time of its launch in late 1995 the most powerful satellite ever launched for Asia. Based on current calculations on the remaining fuel on board, AsiaSat 2 is expected to reach end of life at the end of 2010.

“AsiaSat 2 is a very important member of our fleet. This initiative underscores our commitment to continuously improve on our services to existing customers and potential users for high quality satellite communications in the region, as well as our determination to maintain our position as a market leader in Asia,” said Peter Jackson, chief executive officer of AsiaSat.

He added planning the replacement for AsiaSat 2 well ahead of the satellite’s projected retirement schedule will ensure the company’s ability to continue to provide services to customers at that location. “It will also give us a chance to launch another replacement if that proved necessary before AsiaSat 2's retirement,” he said.

AsiaSat 2 currently serves many regional and international broadcasters, wholesale news agencies, video service providers, teleport service providers for video and news distribution and contribution services, as well as governments and corporations for VSAT network services.

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