Thales Alenia Space has announced the signature of a contract with RASCOMSTAR-QAF for the construction of the RASCOM-QAF1R telecommunication satellite.

This new satellite will ensure adequate continuity of service capacity to RASCOMSTAR-QAF and its Customers. It will provide the African continent access to telecommunication and new information and communication technologies.

The RASCOM-QAF 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.

+ 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 twelve Ku-band and eight C-band transponders. It 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 degrees East longitude, allowing it to cover the African continent, as well as parts of Europe and the Middle East.