Telstar 18

Telstar 18, or Apstar-5, is a high-powered C/Ku-band hybrid satellite based on SS/L's SSL-1300 platform, similar to APSTAR-IIR, which is currently on orbit serving the Asia-Pacific region. Telstar 18 has total beginning-of-life power of 10.6 kW with a separated mass of approximately 4 650 kg, and 9.5 kW of end-of-life power. The new spacecraft operates a total of 54 transponders, 38 in the C band at 60 Watts, and 16 in the Ku band at 141 Watts. Under the new contract, which requires SS/L's receipt of the necessary U.S. government export licenses, SS/L will also provide customary pre- and post-launch support services. Because of export-license difficulties, Loral will own the satellite as Telstar 18 and will lease capacity to APT and sub-lease the orbital slot at 138 degrees east longitude over Asia. Telstar 18 became operational on August 23, 2004. The launch was originally scheduled for November 2003, but was delayed until April 2004 and again in June. The launch contract between Sea Launch and Loral was signed at the end of 2002. Loral initially wanted to use a Chinese Long March 3B rocket, but the US authorities refused to grant an export license to the satellite.