AsiaSat 5

Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), announced in May 2005 that it has been chosen by Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat), Hong Kong, to build AsiaSat 5, a new generation communications satellite designed to offer improved power and coverage to AsiaSat's customers across the Asia Pacific region. AsiaSat 5, a fixed satellite services (FSS) spacecraft expected to launch in 2008, will replace and expand upon the services provided by AsiaSat 2 at 100.5 degrees East longitude. The satellite will be based on SS/L's SSL-1300 platform, which features qualified, flight-proven subsystems and a long record of reliable operation. The satellite's payload will carry both C- and Ku-band transponders and has a 15-year mission life. AsiaSat 5 will be compatible with a range of commercial launch vehicles.