MUMBAI: Alcatel has signed a contract with China Satellite Communication (Chinasat).

As per this the French communications solutions provider will design and produce a new-generation communications satellite, Chinasat 9.

This direct broadcasting satellite will enable Chinasat to be the first state-owned Chinese company to provide satellite broadcast services in China.

The Chinasat 9 satellite, based on the Spacebus 4000 C1 platform, will be fitted with 22 active Ku-band transponders for broadcast satellite services (BSS), including eighteen 36-MHz and four 54-MHz channels. Chinasat 9 will weigh about 4,500 kilograms at liftoff and offer life power of about 11 kW. Positioned at 92.2 degrees East (or 134 degrees East), it will offer a design life of more than 15 years.

The satellite will be launched by a Chinese Long March rocket. Alcatel's subsidiary Alcatel Space will be in charge of the launch campaign, orbital positioning, in-orbit tests and the delivery of a satellite simulator.

The cooperation between Alcatel and Chinese satellites operators began in 1984 with the supply of subassemblies for Chinasat 1. Then Alcatel delivered the Sinosat 1 satellite in 1998. Now there is the upcoming Apstar VI satellite.

Alcatel Space claims to be the world's third largest satellite manufacturer.