(13/09/23) Thaicom, a Bangkok-based satellite operator and
space technology company, has selected Airbus for its new
generation software-defined high throughput satellite.
The new Thaicom satellite – a fully reconfigurable
Airbus OneSat – will provide extended connectivity in Ku-band over the
Asia-Pacific region for millions of users.
Thaicom has thus far launched and operated eight
geostationary satellites, but this will be Thaicom’s first
flexible satellite, allowing for more adaptability on coverage,
frequency and capacity which is crucial in such a dynamic region.
Positioned in orbit at 119.5° East, the satellite
will enable Thaicom to propose to other partner operators a share
of its satellite’s payload capacity, lowering their costs and
still ensuring they have separate control of their individual
payload capacity and flexibility.
Thaicom has ordered a flexible telecommunications satellite from Airbus
“I am delighted that we have selected Airbus to
build our new generation of software-defined high throughput
satellite (HTS),” said Patompob (Nile) Suwansiri, Thaicom’s Chief
Executive Officer. “As the world’s leading satellite technology
provider, we trust that Airbus will be our best choice for
building our new satellite at the strategic location of 119.5
degrees East. It will allow flexibility and instant
reconfiguration to adapt dynamically to the service areas and will
provide a significant confidence boost for Thaicom’s valued
customers and partners throughout Asia Pacific. This is a
significant milestone for Thaicom as we forge ahead to further
grow our broadband satellite business in the region.”
Airbus will design and manufacture the satellite,
and also provide ground control segment components. Airbus plans
to deliver the satellite in 2027.
Airbus OneSat can be fully reconfigured in orbit,
capable of adjusting the coverage area, capacity and frequency “on
the fly” to meet evolving mission scenarios.
OneSat builds on the heritage of Airbus’ Eurostar
geostationary telecommunication satellites and the company’s
constellation expertise with OneWeb.
Jean-Marc Nasr, Head of Airbus Space Systems,
said, “This significant contract with leading satellite operator
Thaicom, is the ninth order for our pioneering OneSat product line
which is fully reconfigurable in orbit and provides unrivalled
flexibility. This collaboration with Thaicom is a first, and we
look forward to further building our relationship in the future.”
Development of the OneSat programme is supported
by ESA, as well as the French Space Agency (CNES), and the UK
Space Agency.
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