The AsiaSat 9 satellite for Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat) of Hong Kong, arrived at the Baikonur Cosmdrome in Kazakhstan aboard an Antonov cargo jet on August 27 in preparation for mission integration and launch aboard an ILS Proton Breeze M launch vehicle in September. AsiaSat 9 will be the third ILS Proton launch in 2017.
AsiaSat 9 is a high-performance satellite with enhanced power and coverage for Asia and Australasia, built by SSL. AsiaSat 9 is AsiaSat’s next generation satellite, planned to replace AsiaSat 4 at 122 degrees East Longitude. AsiaSat 9 is an SSL 1300 satellite equipped with 28 C-band and 32 Ku-band transponders, and a Ka-band payload. AsiaSat 9 will provide additional capacity, enhanced power and coverage for DTH, video distribution, private networks and broadband services across the Asia-Pacific region.
The launch of AsiaSat 9 will be the 96th ILS Proton mission and the fifth AsiaSat satellite launched on ILS Proton. This will be the 31st SSL satellite launched on ILS Proton in over 20 years. The Proton launch vehicle is developed and manufactured by Khrunichev Space Center, one of the mainstays of the space industry, located in Moscow.
ILS provides launch services for satellite operators and offers a complete array of services and support, from contract arrangements, mission management and on-orbit delivery. ILS markets Proton launch services (Proton Breeze M and Proton Variants) and Angara 1.2 for LEO missions, to commercial and government satellite operators worldwide. ILS is a U.S. company headquartered in Reston, VA., near Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.ilslaunch.com, Twitter: @ilslaunch, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ILSLaunch/, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilslaunch/, YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ilslaunchservices
Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat) has been Asia's premier satellite operator since it was established in 1988. AsiaSat’s excellent market access, superior technologies and commitment to both customer service and long-term partnerships have allowed them to achieve a market leader position, enjoying industry recognition over the years. AsiaSat’s accomplishments and proven expertise in satellite operations are driven by decades of innovative leadership and insight into leading edge technologies and market developments in Asia.