PanAmSat reported Monday that its PAS-7 satellite has arrived in French Guiana to begin final preparations for a mid-September launch on an Ariane 44LP rocket. PAS-7, PanAmSat’s second satellite for the Indian Ocean Region, will boost PanAmSat’s ability to provide video and telecommunications services throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
“Three years ago, PanAmSat launched the PAS-4 satellite and
became the first commercial company to deliver satellite-based video
and telecommunications services throughout the Indian Ocean Region. In
about one month, we will build upon PAS-4’s market leadership with the
launch of PAS-7, which will join PAS-4 at 68.5 degrees East
Longitude,” said Frederick A. Landman, PanAmSat’s president and chief
executive officer.
PAS-7, an FS 1300 satellite built by Space Systems/Loral, will
lift off on an Ariane 44LP rocket from Arianespace’s launch facility
in Kourou, French Guiana. The satellite contains 14 C-band and 30
Ku-band transponders providing comprehensive coverage of Europe,
Africa, the Middle East and Asia. As part of the satellite’s final
preparations for launch, Space Systems/Loral will begin fueling
PAS-7’s propellant tanks later this month. The propellant powers
thrusters that position the spacecraft in its final orbital slot and
maintain its location in space.
PanAmSat currently operates two satellites over Asia: the PAS-2
Pacific Ocean Region satellite, which was launched in July 1994; and
PAS-4, which was launched in August 1995. PAS-7 is the first of two
new Asia satellites. The other is the PAS-8 Pacific Ocean Region
satellite, which is scheduled for launch in October 1998.
PAS-7 is also the second satellite in PanAmSat’s comprehensive
plan to launch nine new satellites to provide expansion and backup
services over the next 18 months. The first is the Galaxy X satellite,
which is scheduled for launch from Cape Canaveral Air Station, Fla.,
on August 24 to provide coverage of the United States.
