During the satellite's launch, the Zenit rocket's upper stage shut down 54 seconds early and released the satellite into a low orbit. After the launch, engineers at Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) raised the spacecraft to its correct orbit using a series of carefully planned satellite maneuvers and thruster burns.

All systems on the satellite are performing nominally and in-orbit testing has begun. The satellite, which was able to use its significant stationkeeping fuel margin for the unplanned orbit raising activities, has enough on-board fuel remaining that will allow it to exceed its specified 13-year life.

"Telstar 18's ability to reach orbit, even with a launch vehicle anomaly, showcases the robustness of SS/L's 1300 platform. Using its reserve margin, the satellite was able to correct for the launch shortfall and ensure the mission's success. SS/L's 1300 platform has a demonstrated record of exceeding our customers' requirements even in anomalous conditions," said Patrick DeWitt, President, Space Systems/Loral.

Telstar 18, which will be operated by Loral Skynet, ultimately will be located at 138 degrees East longitude where it will offer a wide variety of video and telecommunications services across Asia.

The satellite carries a total of 54 active transponders, 16 high-power Ku-band transponders and 38 C- band transponders. In-orbit testing of the spacecraft will continue until its service start in August.

In addition to transmitting innovative new applications, cable programming and direct-to-home broadcasting services, Telstar 18 is scheduled to begin hosting Skynet's SkyReach(SM) in 2005. SkyReach is Skynet's two-way IP-based networking solution.

SkyReach, which is already available and in use by several customers throughout the Americas, allows organizations to create an instant infrastructure using a VSAT network, connecting offices within a city or around the globe.

In consideration for funding a portion of the satellite project's cost, APT Satellite Company Limited, Hong Kong, will initially acquire use of 68.5 percent of Telstar 18's capacity for Apstar-V services.

The number of transponders used by APT will be reduced over time, ultimately to 54 percent of the satellite's capacity.

Telstar 18 is a version of SS/L's space-proven 1300 satellite platform, which has an excellent record of reliable operation.

The geostationary Telstar 18 satellite has a specified service life of 13 years and maintains stationkeeping and orbital stability by using bipropellant propulsion and momentum-bias systems. In all, SS/L satellites have amassed more than 1,100 years of on-orbit service.

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