Alcatel Alenia Space today announced that it will provide the communication payload for the fourth-generation BADR-6 “Full Moon” satellite, for the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat). BADR-6 satellite, with prime contractor EADS Astrium, is expected to be operational in 2008.
The BADR-6 satellite will be used by the Arab League’s telecommunications organization to expand and optimize capacity for direct TV broadcasting, telephony and data transmissions over a coverage zone encompassing the entire Middle East and North Africa region, from Morocco to the Gulf, and a large part of sub-Saharan Africa.
This satellite will be co-located at 26 degrees East, with the other Arabsat satellites. It is fitted with 44 transponders, 24 C-band and 20 Ku-band for a power of 6kW (end of life). The payload, developed in Alcatel Alenia Space facilities in France, will be integrated on the EADS Astrium Eurostar E2000+ spacecraft.
Blaise Jaeger, general manager, satellite telecommunication activities, Alcatel Alenia Space, said: “This contract strengthens Alcatel Alenia Space’s leading position in the worldwide telecommunication payload market”.
Since the 1980s, Alcatel Alenia Space has delivered two fourth generation satellite payloads to Arabsat, three first-generation satellites, two second-generation satellites and one third-generation satellite.
About Arabsat
Arabsat is the leading provider of satellite communications to the Arab Communities in the Middle East. Ranked as the 10th Satellite Operator globally, Arabsat continues to offer its customers multi-mission satellite services, such as television, telephony, Internet and the provision of VSAT and other interactive services that meet both current and emerging demands of Arabsat customers. Arabsat’s satellites provide coverage to more than 100 countries of millions of homes covering the Middle East, Africa and the major parts of Europe.
About Alcatel Alenia Space
Alcatel Alenia Space is the European leader in satellite systems, at the forefront of orbit infrastructures. Created in July 2005, the company brings together the vast experience and know-how of Alcatel Space and Alenia Spazio to form a new leading force in European space technology. Alcatel Alenia Space represents a worldwide standard for space development that impacts everybody’s future: from navigation to telecommunications, from meteorology to environmental monitoring, from defense to science and observation. Alcatel Alenia Space is an affiliate of Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) (67%) and Finmeccanica (Milan:SIFI.MI, FNC.IM) (33%).
About Alcatel
Alcatel provides communications solutions to telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers and enterprises for delivery of voice, data and video applications to their customers or employees. Alcatel brings its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks, applications and services, to help its partners and customers build a user-centric broadband world. With sales of EURO 13.1 billion and 58,000 employees in 2005, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries. For more information, visit Alcatel on the Internet: http://www.alcatel.com
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