Spanish satellite operator Hispasat has given details of the development of its AG1 satellite, the first in the European Space Agency’s Small Geo mission.
In a presentation to the International Aeronautics and Space Exhibition in Paris, Hispasat executive chairman Petra Mateos said “the new satellite will allow the company to consolidate its position in the regenerative digital onboard processing arena, while at the same time represents a new example of commitment of Hispasat to contribute to the development of advances in the space telecommunications sector”.
The Hispasat AG1 includes Redsat onboard processing payload that will allow the operator to use the satellite’?s power in a efficient way, substantially increasing its transmission capacity with the subsequent reduction in communications costs.
Over the last few months a series of tests have taken place on the AG1 satellite with Hispasat close to deciding on the final configuration.
The launch of the Hispasat AG1 satellite is planned for 2013.