SSL-Built Satellite for AsiaSat Begins Post-Launch Maneuvers According to Plan

Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat), Asia's leading satellite operator and SSL, a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, has announced that the high performance AsiaSat 9 satellite was launched on 29 September Baikonur time (28 September US time) and is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan.

The satellite deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard a Proton Breeze M vehicle provided by International Launch Services (ILS). It will begin firing its main thruster on 30 September Hong Kong time (29 September US time) to propel toward its final geostationary orbit. AsiaSat 9 provides high-power C-band coverage and additional Ku-band capacity for direct-to-home (DTH) television broadcast, video distribution, VSAT broadband networks and mobility services across the Asia-Pacific region.

"It has been our pleasure to work closely with the AsiaSat team to develop this innovative spacecraft," said Dario Zamarian, Group President of SSL. "I would like to thank and congratulate the teams at AsiaSat, ILS and SSL for making the launch of AsiaSat 9 a success."

AsiaSat 9 is the fifth and most powerful satellite that SSL has provided to AsiaSat, and it will help AsiaSat meet the continued growth in demand for both broadcast, communications and connectivity in the region. It incorporates numerous technology advances for higher power, more efficiency and flexibility, and additional capacity that will drive advanced services for AsiaSat's customers.

"AsiaSat 9 expands our reach into new markets with excellent power and coverage, and helps us broaden and add even more value to the services we can provide to our customers," said Andrew Jordan, President and Chief Executive Officer of AsiaSat. "SSL is a trusted and reliable partner in innovating and advancing the capability of our satellite fleet and our collaboration on AsiaSat 9 has resulted in a satellite that provides much faster communication rates and greater efficiency and flexibility than AsiaSat 4, which it is replacing."

AsiaSat 9 is equipped with multiple C, Ku and Ka-band payloads that provide coverage including the world's first dedicated Ku-band Myanmar beam, new high-powered Ku-band beams for Indonesia and Mongolia, and two enhanced Ku-band beams serving Australasia and East Asia, as well as a wider high-power C-band global beam. It will replace AsiaSat 4 at 122 degrees East and is built on the SSL 1300 platform, and designed to provide service for 15 years or more.

AsiaSat 9 Set for Launch from Baikonur on September 29
Hong Kong (SPX) Sep 27, 2017
AsiaSat 9, is set for launch at 00:52:16 Baikonur time on September 29 (02:52:16 Hong Kong Time September 29; 18:52:16 GMT September 28) by an ILS Proton Breeze M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan. This next generation satellite, based on the SSL 1300 platform, is designed to replace AsiaSat 4 and to provide multiple C, Ku and Ka-Band payloads for direct-to-home (DTH) televis ... read more

Related Links
SSL
The latest information about the Commercial Satellite Industry

Thanks for being there;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.

SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5+ Billed Monthly

SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once

credit card or paypal