Private Mexican operator Satelites Mexicanos S.A. de C.V. (Satmex) has selected Europe’s Ariane to launch its Satmex 6 satellite from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, during the first quarter of 2003. The launch contract should be signed shortly.
Satmex 6, a Space Systems/Loral-built satellite, is currently under construction at SS/L’s facilities in Palo Alto, California. Weighing approximately 5,700 kilograms at liftoff, the satellite will be positioned at 109.2 degrees West and carry 36 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders.
Satmex will use the state-of-the-art Satmex 6 satellite to bolster its telecommunications and Internet transmission capacity for all of Mexico, as well as other parts of North America and Latin America.
“This choice once again demonstrates our adaptability and flexibility,” said Jean-Marie Luton, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, emphasizing the importance of Satmex’s decision.
“Today, only Arianespace and Ariane 5 give operators fast access to space for their heavy satellites. We are extremely proud of our role in building the Mexican telecommunications system, and of Satmex’s renewed confidence in us. This will be the fourth Mexican satellite launched by Arianespace, and the second for Satmex, following Satmex 5, which was launched on Flight 114 in December 1998.”
“Our team selected Ariane after a thorough evaluation of all possible Satmex 6 launch options,” said Lauro Gonzalez, president, Satmex. “Ariane provides Satmex with the most reliable solution to launch what will be the largest and most important satellite for Satmex and Mexico.”
Satmex, the leading Mexican satellite operator in the Americas, owns and operates a satellite system through which it offers broadcast, telephone and telecommunications services to 37 countries in the region. The Satmex fleet also helps develop rural areas by offering distance learning, and rural telephony services to remote locations.
