Orbital ATK, Inc. (OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, today announced that the THAICOM 8 satellite has arrived at its launch site in Cape Canaveral, Florida. THAICOM 8 is the second satellite Orbital ATK has built for Thaicom PLC and is based on the company’s flight-proven GEOStar-2TM platform. The satellite arrived at the launch site after it was shipped on Wednesday, April 27 from the company’s manufacturing facility in Dulles, Virginia. THAICOM 8 is set to launch in late May aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 vehicle. The satellite will support Thailand’s growing broadcast industry and will provide broadcast and data services to customers in South Asia, Southeast Asia and Africa.
“We built and delivered this high-quality communications satellite for Thaicom PLC two months ahead of schedule, demonstrating our ability to manufacture reliable, affordable and innovative products that exceed expectations for our customer,” said Amer Khouri, Vice President of the Commercial Satellite Business at Orbital ATK. “As one of Asia’s leading satellite operators, we are grateful for Thaicom’s continued confidence and look forward to more successful partnerships in the future.”
Commissioned in 2014, THAICOM 8 was ordered shortly after the company-built THAICOM 6 satellite was launched into orbit in January 2014. The design, manufacturing, integration and testing of THAICOM 8 took place at Orbital ATK’s state-of-the-art satellite manufacturing facility in Dulles, Virginia.
A Ku-band satellite, THAICOM 8’s payload includes 24 active transponders that will deliver broadcast and data services. The Falcon 9 rocket will deliver the satellite into its targeted geosynchronous transfer orbit where it will enter a 30-day testing phase. Following in-orbit activation and after reaching its final orbital slot, Orbital ATK will then turn over control of the satellite to Thaicom to begin normal operations. THAICOM 8’s orbital location will be positioned at 78.5 degrees east longitude and the satellite is designed to operate for more than 15 years.
The THAICOM 8 satellite is the 36th GEOStar spacecraft launched for customers around the world. Orbital ATK is currently producing several commercial satellites that will be delivered and launched for customers over the next several years, including the Al Yah 3, HYLAS 4 and SES-16/GovSat spacecraft. The company has also begun work on the new Mission Extension Vehicle-1 (MEV-1) for the company’s recently announced commercial satellite servicing agreement with Intelsat, S.A.
About Orbital ATK
Orbital ATK is a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies. The company designs, builds and delivers space, defense and aviation systems for customers around the world, both as a prime contractor and merchant supplier. Its main products include launch vehicles and related propulsion systems; missile products, subsystems and defense electronics; precision weapons, armament systems and ammunition; satellites and associated space components and services; and advanced aerospace structures. Headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, Orbital ATK employs approximately 12,000 people in 18 states across the U.S. and in several international locations. For more information, visit www.orbitalatk.com.
