RASCOMSTAR-QAF will provide the African continent access to telecommunication and new information and communication technologies.

Cannes, September 9th, 2008 – Thales Alenia Space announced today the signature of a contract with RASCOMSTAR-QAF for the construction of the RASCOM-QAF1R telecommunication satellite.

This new satellite will ensure adequate continuity of service capacity to RASCOMSTAR-QAF and its Customers. It will provide the African continent access to telecommunication and new information and communication technologies.

The RASCOM-QAF system provides communications services to telecom operators, as well as Internet Service Providers (ISP) and licensed VSAT operators. Objectives include:

  • Deployment of a telecommunications infrastructure in disadvantaged rural areas to reduce their marginalization.

  • Improvement and/or development of long-distance domestic communications in all African countries.

  • Establishment of direct links between African countries, and easier exchange of radio and TV programs between these countries.

  • Provision of direct TV broadcast, Internet access and value-added broadband services.

Based on the Spacebus 4000 B3 platform, the Rascom-QAF1R satellite will be fitted with twelve Ku-band and eight C-band transponders. It will have a launch mass of more than 3 tons, and will provide 6.4 kW of power at end-of-life. The satellite will be located at 2.85 degrees East longitude, allowing it to cover the African continent, as well as parts of Europe and the Middle East.

About Thales Alenia Space

European leader in satellite systems and at the forefront of orbital infrastructures, Thales Alenia Space is a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Finmeccanica (33%). Together with Telespazio, Thales Alenia Space forms the “Space Alliance” between the two groups. The company is a worldwide reference in telecoms, radar and optical Earth observation, defense and security, navigation and science. With 7200 employees and 11 industrial sites, Thales Alenia Space is located in France, Italy, Spain and Belgium. www.thalesaleniaspace.com