European satellite manufacturers Astrium Satellites and Thales Alenia Space will provide platform and payload components for Argentina’s Arsat-1 telecommunications satellite now under construction by Invap, the satellite-building affiliate of Argentina’s CONAE space agency, Astrium and Thales Alenia Space announced.
Arsat-1, which will occupy Argentina’s 71.8 degrees west orbital slot, is expected to carry 24 Ku-band transponders and operate for 15 years. As designed, it will weigh about 2,800 kilograms at launch and generate 3.5 kilowatts of power.
Astrium Satellites will provide the satellite platform’s on-board computer and its 50-kilogram carbon-composite central cylinder, which is the support structure for the satellite. Thales Alenia Space will provide Arsat-1’s payload electronics.
Arsat was created in 2006 to promote Argentina’s space industry. It includes the assets of the former Nahuelsat operator, notably the Nahuel-1 satellite, which was launched in 1997 and will be replaced by Arsat-1.
