Thales Alenia Space has started construction of 16 of its Low Earth Orbit communications satellites for Jersey, Channel Islands-based O3b Networks Limited, with options for additional spacecrafts. The satellites will offer low latency Internet backhaul to emerging markets and developing countries at speeds up to 10 Gbps, with a combined total capacity in excess of 160 Gbps. Thales Alenia Space started design activities under contract in 2007 and has received Authorization To Proceed (ATP) with the construction phase of the project. The delivery of the initial satellites and service activation are scheduled for late 2010. O3b Networks recently announced the new satellite network with support and funding from Google, Inc., Liberty Global, Inc., and HSBC Principal Investments. Bridging the gap between current satellites and fiber optic cables, O3b Networks will provide fiber-like trunking capacity to telecom operators and backhaul directly to 3G Cellular and WiMAX towers.

Thales Alenia Space also now has a contract with JSC “ISS – Reshetnev Company” (formerly NPO-PM) to supply the Amos-5 communications satellite payload. ISS, prime contractor, is building the satellite for Israeli satellite operator Spacecom Ltd. This contract involves two long-term partners of Thales Alenia Space (ISS as industrial partner and Spacecom as a customer), associated today to start a new team for the Amos-5 satellite. ISS serves as the prime contractor, providing its Express-1000 platform and Thales Alenia Space as communications payload supplier. The satellite will be integrated and tested in Krasnoyarsk, Russia. Slated for launch in 2010, Amos-5 will also expand the operator’s fleet in particular for DTH services over Africa as well as regions of France and Germany. The satellite’s total mass at launch will be approximately 1.6 tons and the payload power about 5.6 kW. Amos-5 will carry 18 C- and 16 Ku-band transponders and will be located at 17° E.

Thales Alenia Space has also signed a contract with RASCOMSTAR-QAF1R for the construction of the RASCOM-QAF1R telecommunication satellite. This new satellite will ensure adequate continuity of service capacity to RASCOMSTAR-QAF1R and its customers. It will provide the African continent access to telecommunication and new information and communication technologies. The RASCOM-QAF1R system provides communications services to telecom operators, as well as Internet Service Providers (ISP) and licensed VSAT operators. Objectives include deployment of a telecommunications infrastructure in disadvantaged rural areas to reduce their marginalization; improvement and/or development of long-distance domestic communications in all African countries; establishment of direct links between African countries, and easier exchange of radio and TV programs between these countries; and provision of direct TV broadcast, Internet access, and value-added broadband services. Based on the Spacebus 4000 B3 platform, the Rascom-QAF1R satellite will be fitted with 12 Ku- and 8 C-band transponders and will have a launch mass of more than 3 tons, and will provide 6.4 kW of power at end-of-life. The satellite will be located at 2.85° E, allowing it to cover the African continent, as well as parts of Europe and the Middle East.