MUMBAI: Alcatel Space, a subsidiary of Alcatel and Shin Satellite Inc. of Thailand, a major satellite operator, has announced the signature of a contract for the construction of the Thaicom 5 communications satellite.
 

The contract covers the on ground delivery of the satellite, the launch campaign, the support of LEOP (Launch and Early Orbit Phase) and IOT (In Orbit Test).

It is dedicated to replace Thaicom 1 and Thaicom 2, which are due to be retired in 2008 and 2009 respectively. It will support Shin Sat satellite operation at 78.5°E and will allow the operator to expand its Ku-Band channels offering over Thailand as well as in the neighbouring countries.

It will provide high quality, broadcasting, telecommunication and broadband services.
 
 

Thaicom 5 satellite is based on the highly reliable design of the Spacebus family, which benefits from a large experience in orbit. With a launch mass of around 2.8 tons, a power of around 5 kW (end of life), it will be equipped with 14 Ku-Band transponders and 24 C-Band transponders.

The satellite will be integrated and assembled in the Alcatel Space clean rooms in Cannes for a delivery scheduled the second quarter of next year.

This new contract with Shin Satellite enables Alcatel Space to reinforce its long-standing cooperation with the operator.