ILS has successfully launched the AsiaSat 9 satellite from Baikonur in Kazakhstan.
AsiaSat 9 is a replacement for AsiaSat 4 at 122 degrees East with multiple C, Ku and Ka-band payloads. It was built by Space Systems Loral (SSL) and will provide enhanced performance, higher efficiency and greater flexibility for DTH, video distribution, VSAT broadband and mobility services.
AsiaSat 9 carries the world’s first dedicated Ku-band Myanmar beam, new Ku-band beams for Indonesia and Mongolia, in addition to two enhanced Ku-band beams serving Australasia and East Asia and a wider high-power C-band coverage across the Asia-Pacific region. The five Ku-band beams on board AsiaSat 9 are equipped with cross-strap beam switching capability to provide flexible coverage.
Commenting on the launch, ILS president Kirk Pysher said: “This is our 5th launch with AsiaSat over our long history with them, having launched over half of AsiaSat’s operational fleet. We are proud to have played a key role in the growth of AsiaSat’s business over the years. We appreciate the AsiaSat, ILS, Khrunichev, SSL mission teams for their dedication to ensuring a successful launch.”
Andrew Jordan, president and CEO of AsiaSat, added: “With Proton’s unique optimised delivery to orbit, extending the lifetime of the AsiaSat 9 satellite, AsiaSat is once again creating exceptional value for our services in Asia.
“AsiaSat 9 will provide additional and enhanced services to a wide region of Asia and some ground-breaking capabilities in power and efficiency in some new regions. Sincere thanks to all of the AsiaSat 9 team members for a perfect mission and launch.”
AsisSat 9’s launch was the third commercial mission of the year for ILS and the 96th ILS Proton launch overall.
