Alcatel Space today announced the successful launch by Arianespace of Turksat 2A, the most European powerful satellite communications satellite. Previously designated Eurasiasat 1, this satellite will expand the fleet of Turkish satellites for operator Eurasiasat SAM of which Alcatel Space is shareholder* with Turk Telekom.
 
Prime contractor for both the space and ground segment, Alcatel Space built the most powerfull satellite currently in operation, which uses a Spacebus 3000 B3 platform. Turksat 2A will be positioned in geostationary orbit at 42 degrees East, and will provide simultaneous transmissions over 32 Ku-band channels.
 
This new satellite is particularly well suited to emerging needs for direct television broadcasting (analog and digital), as well as telephony and data transmission (Internet, IBS, VSAT, etc.) in a fast-growing region. The satellite’s fixed beams will provide links between Europe and Asia, while 12 channels will be available for transmissions via two spotbeams; there is also the possibility of switching between the fixed and mobile beams. This characteristic provides the flexibility needed to meet evolving demand in Russia, India, Africa and any other potential market within the satellite’s coverage zone.
 
Following the late October launch of the Europe*Star 1 satellite, the launch of Turksat 2A constitutes not only a solid industrial success, but also Alcatel Space’s second project in satellite operations and services to come to fruition since the beginning of the year.
 
Alcatel Space is teaming up with Turk Telekom to handle the operation of Turksat 2A, through their jointly-owned company Eurasiasat. Some 90 percent of the satellite’s capacity has already been booked. The services offered by Eurasiasat will not only foster the development of direct TV
broadcasting in Turkey and in countries with large Turkish speaking populations, but also support the development of Turk Telekom’s networks, in particular for Internet traffic.
 
"Following the Turksat 1B and 1C satellites," said BenoÓt Tellier (Chief Executive Officer of Alcatel Space),"the launch of Turksat 2A and its subsequent operation marks another major step forward in strengthening the relationship between Turk Telekom and Alcatel Space."
 
* Eurasiasat SAM is a joint venture of Turk Telekom (with a 75% share) and Alcatel Spacecom (25%). Founded in 1996, it is based in Monaco.
 
About Alcatel Space
An affiliate of Alcatel (51%) and Thomson-CSF (49%), Alcatel Space generated a 1999 turnover of 9.3 billion francs (1.4  billion Euros) and employs 6,000 people.  Alcatel Space has partners around the world, subsidiaries throughout Europe, and a strong commitment to R&D. Alcatel Space plays an important role — as prime contractor, operator, investor, or service provider — in a majority of ongoing space programs through two separate subsidiaries: Alcatel Spacecom and Alcatel Space Industries.
 
Alcatel Spacecom groups together the activities and interests relating to investments and operations in systems and satellites.  This subsidiary is responsible for several programs and projects of this nature, including, among others, SkyBridge, Cyberstar (multimedia); Euteltracs (positioning and fleet management); Europe*Star, Eurasiasat, Rascom, Bolivarsat, AirTV (telecommunications and broadcasting).
 
Alcatel Space Industries ranks among the world’s space systems leaders. With expertise in civil and military applications, Alcatel Space Industries develops satellite technology for telecommunications, navigation, optical and radar observation, meteorology, and sciences. www.alcatel.com/space.
 
About Alcatel
Alcatel builds next generation networks, delivering integrated end-to-end voice and data communications solutions to established and new carriers, as well as enterprises and consumers worldwide. With 120,000 employees and sales of EURO 23 billion in 1999, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.
 
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