International Launch Services (ILS) and Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co. Ltd. (AsiaSat) announced a contract for the launch of AsiaSat 7 satellite on an ILS Proton.
The satellite is under construction by Space Systems/Loral in Palo Alto, California. ILS and Khrunichev are implementing a mission integration schedule to support a 2011 launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
AsiaSat 7 is configured as a replacement satellite for AsiaSat 3S, one of AsiaSat's flagship satellites, operating at the orbital location of 105.5E. AsiaSat 7 is a Space Systems/Loral 1300 platform, with C and Ku-band transponders, designed for a lifespan of 15 years.
The projected orbital maneuvering lifetime of the satellite is expected to improve due to the performance of the ILS Proton launch vehicle.
Frank McKenna, President of ILS said, "A little over a year ago, we contracted, integrated and launched the AsiaSat 5 satellite within a 6 month timeframe, providing unmatched flexibility for our longtime customer, AsiaSat. We are very honored to play a key role in AsiaSat's replacement strategic plan with the launch of AsiaSat 7."
"With this launch opportunity on the ILS Proton, we are continuing our replacement strategy to provide continuity of services to our current and potential new customers across Asia, Middle East, CIS and Australasia. We know we can count on the professionalism of ILS and Khrunichev for a successful launch for AsiaSat 7," said AsiaSat's CEO, William Wade.
AsiaSat, the leading regional satellite operator in Asia, serves over two-thirds of the world's population with its three satellites, AsiaSat 3S at 105.5E, AsiaSat 4 at 122E and AsiaSat 5 at 100.5E.
The AsiaSat satellite fleet provides services to both the broadcast and telecommunications industries. Over 400 television and radio channels are now delivered by the company's satellites, reaching over 96 million households, with more than 360 million viewers across the Asia-Pacific region.
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