Thales Alenia Space
and Arianespace Sign Launch Contract for First pan-African Satellite Rascom
1
(21 June 2007) Thales Alenia Space and
Arianespace today announced the signature of the launch Service & Solutions
contract for the first pan-African communications satellite, Rascom 1,
dedicated to the African continent.
The satellite is scheduled
for launch into a geostationary transfer orbit in the last quarter of 2007 by
an Ariane 5 launcher from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French
Guiana.
Rascom 1, built by Thales Alenia Space as part of a turnkey
contract with RascomStar-QAF, will provide telecommunication services in rural
areas of Africa, as well as domestic and international connections, direct TV
broadcast services and Internet access during 15 years.
Based on a
Spacebus 4000B3 platform, Rascom 1 is equipped with 12 Ku-band transponders and
eight C-band transponders. It will weigh about 3,200 kg at launch, will have a
6.4 kW power end of life and will be positioned at 2.85 degrees East.
In
the scope of the Rascom program, Thales Alenia Space supplies both the in-orbit
satellite delivery and its associated ground infrastructure including the
mission, business, and ground control segments.
Pascale Sourisse,
President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space commented: "We are very proud of
participating in this program that will contribute to bridging the digital
divide between rural and urban areas and to ensuring economical development in
Africa. This ambitious project is a natural fit with our businesses since we
believe that everybody should enjoy access to the resources needed to
communicate." She added: "This contract highlights the successful co-operation
between Thales Alenia Space and Arianespace as four Spacebus satellites will be
launched from Kourou in the next months."
"We are very honoured by
RascomStar-QAF and Thales Alenia Space's confidence in us," said Jean-Yves Le
Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace. "Their selection reflects the excellence
of Arianespace's launch Service & Solutions. With Rascom 1, RascomStar-QAF
will be able to offer a full range of dedicated telecommunications services for
the entire African continent."
(source: Thales Alenia Space)