Asia Broadcast Satellite will contract Space Systems/Loral to manufacture the ABS-2 spacecraft which is scheduled for launch in 2013.

ABS-2 will be one of the most powerful commercial satellites launched for service in the Eastern Hemisphere. The satellite will have over 12 kW of payload power and up to a total of 87 active C-band, Ku-band and Ka-band transponders across 10 different beams bringing increased capacity and transmission power to the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and CIS/Russia.

The ABS-2 spacecraft is based on Space Systems/Loral's 1300 satellite bus, with a separated mass in excess of 6,000 Kg at launch and is designed for 15 years of operational life.

ABS-2 will be located at the 75 degrees East Longitude, ABS' prime orbital location where ABS-1, ABS-1A, and ABS-1B are currently located.

From the 75 degrees East Longitude location, ABS-2 will cover four-fifths of the world's population and will expand the already successful business base of ABS-1, which has a current fill rate of over 90%. With the addition of ABS-2 to its fleet, ABS will become one of the largest FSS satellite operators in Asia in terms of number of active transponders in orbit.

ABS-2 is specifically designed for a wide range of services including direct-to-home, cable TV distribution, VSAT services, data networks, and telecommunications services.

ABS-2 will provide continuity of service and expansion capacity to existing ABS-1 customers, and will also act as in-orbit spare and provide full backup for the ABS-1 transponders.

Tom Choi, CEO of Asia Broadcast Satellite, said: "We are very excited to confirm that Space Systems/Loral will build the ABS-2 spacecraft. We originally announced the preliminary agreement with Space Systems/Loral in June of last year, but we have had to postpone the start of manufacturing while we completed the process of bringing in a new financial sponsor into ABS.

"We sincerely appreciate SS/L's endless dedication and commitment in working to meet our requirements. We chose SS/L for their industry leadership, quality, reliability and the performance of their products and services. SS/L offers us the best assurance that we need to complete this important project."

"It is communications satellites such as ABS-2 that help bring essential services to even the most remote areas," said John Celli, president of SS/L.

"Like the Asia Broadcast Satellite company, SS/L has a commitment to expanding the infrastructure that promotes commerce, learning, and can protect populations in emergency situations. We are very happy to reinforce this commitment with our sixth satellite contract of the year."

Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS) is expanding its satellite fleet and business worldwide through the recent acquisitions of ABS- 7 (formerly Koreasat-3), ABS-1A (formerly Koreasat-2) and ABS-5 (formerly Agila-2). ABS has also completed a strategic cooperation with Eutelsat for the ABS-1B/W75 satellite at 75 degrees E.

ABS is planning the launch of a new state-of-the-art high powered satellite, ABS-2, that is scheduled to become operational in 2013. ABS-2 will be located at the 75 degrees East Longitude, ABS' prime orbital location covering four-fifths of the world's population across the Indian Ocean region.