China's AsiaSat has tapped Space Systems/Loral to build its new telecommunications satellite, which is slated for launch in 2008.
The fixed-position AsiaSat 5 will provide communications coverage for customers in the Asia Pacific region and replace the company's AsiaSat 2.
Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Ltd. currently has three satellites in orbit that handle 240 digital television and 130 radio channels covering about 96 million households.
AsiaSat 5 will expand upon AsiaSat 2's capabilities. It will carry both C-band and Ku-band transponders and will have a service life of about 15 years at an orbital position of 100.5 degrees east.
The spacecraft will be based on the 1300 platform from Space Systems/Loral, a U.S. subsidiary of Loral Space and Communications.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International
