Alcatel prepares Worldsat 2 communications satellite for launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan
Satellite for U.S. operator WORLDSAT is first with new-generation Spacebus 4000 platform
Paris, September 3, 2004 -The Worldsat 2 communications satellite, for which Alcatel Space, subsidiary of Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA), is prime contractor, is undergoing final integration at Alcatel Space’s Cannes facility in preparation for transfer to the Baikonur launch site in Kazakhstan. This strategic addition to U.S. operator WORLDSAT’s fleet, a unit of SES GLOBAL, will be positioned at 37.5°W. This orbital location allows it to cover North America, the Caribbean, South America, Europe and Africa. Worldsat 3, currently being built at Alcatel Space facilities, will extend Worldsat assets to the Pacific Ocean Region.
Worldsat 2 is the first satellite to benefit from the complete array of advanced technologies implemented by the geostationary communications satellites based on the Spacebus 4000 platform. The Spacebus family is the result of 20 years of continuous advances with an ongoing focus on reliability. The Spacebus family already has an impressive track record, with 51 platforms ordered of which 11 currently under construction.
The Spacebus 4000 expands the Alcatel Space portfolio of solutions to meet all the demands of its customers. These customers expect increasingly powerful satellites, weighing up to six metric tons and delivering 16 kW of power with 120 onboard transponders. At the same time, they need more flexible satellites able to fulfill a variety of missions. To guarantee compatibility with high-power performance, Alcatel Space has also developed the new generation Avionics 4000 based on a 100 Volt power bus. Flexible, modular and fully integrated with a central onboard computer, it is a world’s first to launch an AOCS (Attitude and Orbit Control System) with a built-in star tracker for use in Geostationary Earth Orbit. The Spacebus 4000 is designed to accommodate the communications services of tomorrow, such as High Definition TV and broadband multimedia.
Worldsat 2 enables simultaneous operation of 72 C-band channels. 24 transponders on Worldsat 2 have been contracted by SES ASTRA which will market this capacity in Africa under the name ASTRA 4A. The substantial capacity of the satellite will also provide reliable, cost-efficient communications solutions for a variety of users, including broadcasters, cable programmers, Internet service providers, government agencies, educational institutions, carriers and private networks.
About Alcatel Space
Alcatel Space, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alcatel, is a global leader for satellite solutions. Deploying extensive dual expertise in civil and military applications, Alcatel Space develops complete system solutions for telecommunications, navigation, environment and risk management, radar and optical observation, meteorology and scientific satellites. It is also the leading European prime contractor for ground segments in earth observation, meteorology and navigation systems, as well as space system operation. For more information, visit the Alcatel Space web site: www.alcatel.com/space
About Alcatel
Alcatel provides communications solutions to telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers and enterprises for delivery of voice, data and video applications to their customers or to their employees. Alcatel leverages its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks, applications and services to bring value to its customers in the framework of a broadband world. With sales of EURO 12.5 billion in 2003, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.
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