AsiaSat Contracts Space Systems/Loral to Build AsiaSat 5

AsiaSat 5 will replace Lockheed-Martin-built AsiaSat 2 (above) that was launched on November 28, 1995. (Lockheed photo)

HONG KONG, May 3, 2006/Satnews Daily/ — Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat) has signed a Construction Agreement with Space Systems/Loral Inc. (SS/L) to design and build AsiaSat 5, a replacement satellite for AsiaSat 2 scheduled for launch in the second quarter of 2008.

AsiaSat 5 will be built on a SS/L’s 1300 series satellite platform and will carry 26 C-band and 14 Ku-band transponders with an estimated operational life of 15 years. AsiaSat 5’s C-band footprint will offer a more powerful pan-Asian coverage than that of AsiaSat 2. Its Ku-band coverage will consist of three high power beams, two of which will cover East Asia and South Asia and an in-orbit steerable beam that can be positioned to provide service anywhere within AsiaSat 5’s geographic coverage.

AsiaSat 5 is designed to replace AsiaSat 2 at the orbital location of 100.5 degrees East in advance of AsiaSat 2’s scheduled retirement of 2010. Launching AsiaSat 5 two years earlier than required allows sufficient time to construct and launch a replacement satellite if necessary.

AsiaSat 5 will allow the company to expand our capacity and provide AsiaSat with the capability of serving more diverse satellite services from this popular orbital slot of 100.5 degrees East, said Peter Jackson, CEO of AsiaSat.

“Planning this project well ahead of AsiaSat 2’s retirement confirms our commitment to ensure continuity of service to our customers in the years ahead,” he added.

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