Arianespace to
Launch Pan-African Satellite Rascom 1
(21 June 2007) Arianespace and Thales
Alenia Space today announced the signature of the launch Service &
Solutions contract for the first pan-African communications satellite, Rascom
1.
Rascom 1 is scheduled for a launch into geostationary
transfer orbit in the last quarter of 2007. It will be launched by an Ariane 5
from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
Rascom 1, built by
Thales Alenia Space as part of a turnkey contract with the Regional African
Satellite Communication Organisation (RascomStar-QAF), will provide during 15
years telecommunication services in rural areas of Africa, as well as domestic
and international connections, direct TV broadcast services and Internet
access.
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 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 elements related to operations and control
segment.
Pascale Sourisse, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space
comments: "We are very proud of participating in this program that will
contribute to bridging the digital divide between rural and urban areas and to
insuring 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. 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."
About
Arianespace
Arianespace is the world's leading launch Service &
Solutions company, delivering innovative services and solutions to its
customers for more than 25 years. Backed by 23 shareholders, including the
European Space Agency, Arianespace offers an unrivalled launcher family,
comprising Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega, and an international workforce renowned
for their culture of excellence. Arianespace has launched 246 satellites since
being founded, including more than 60% of the commercial satellites now in
service world-wide. It has a steady backlog of about 40 satellites to be
launched, equal to more than three years of operations.
(source:
Arianespace)