Bangkok--May 17--Shin Satellite
World’s largest satellite to be delivered to French launcher Arianespace
Shin Satellite today confirms that it has ordered the preparation of its new broadband satellite, IPSTAR-1, for shipment to the launch site of Arianespace at Kourou Space Center, French Guiana, South America. The satellite, which is the world’s largest commercial satellite built, was constructed by U.S. company, Space Systems/Loral (SS/L). The satellite, after passing stringent tests at the beginning of the year, had been waiting for the green light to prepare for launch.
In mid-March, Shin Satellite, SS/L, the satellite manufacturer, and Arianespace, the launch service provider, held a joint operations planning meeting and Final Mission Analysis Review (RAMF), reviewing the integration plan of satellite to launch vehicle, and the results of final system qualification, flight trajectory of launch vehicle and insertion of the satellite to transfer orbit.
Preparation for shipment including the arrangement for air transportation and support team is expected to be completed in a few weeks. Upon the arrival of IPSTAR-1 at the launch site, the satellite will be transported to a processing hall where SS/L’s support team will be checking the satellite prior to final preparation and integration to the launch vehicle. Arianespace is performing complementary tests to ensure the satellite and the launch vehicle mating procedures will be successful. The launch campaign will start as soon as Arianespace completes these tests.
Shin Satellite:
Mrs. Janaskorn Pongchabubnapa, International Press and Investor Relations, Shin Satellite Plc, 41/103 Rattanathibet Rd., Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand. Tel. (66 2) 591-0736 to 49 Ext. 8495 Fax. (66 2) 591-0724, email:
[email protected]
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