Thaicom Public Company Limited (Thaicom), a leading Thai satellite and space tech company, has announced the selection of Astranis, an American company specializing in geostationary communications satellites, to provide THAICOM-9, the newest addition to Thaicom’s fleet of high-throughput satellites at 119.5 degrees East.
Thaicom’s subsidiary, Space Tech Innovation Limited (STI) and Astranis have signed an agreement for an Astranis MicroGEO satellite to provide Ka-band services over Asia, with an option for expanded coverage through future satellites. The satellite will be launched in 2025.
THAICOM-9 will provide Thaicom with next-generation operating capabilities, including an industry-leading time to market as well as flexibility to adapt its mission while on orbit. The satellite is equipped with high-performance software-defined radio, that can change coverage and bandwidth allocation on orbit to serve multiple geographies while also allowing it to dynamically change frequencies, power levels, and other operational variables.
According to SpaceNews, the small geostationary (GEO) satellite will provide broadband to some of the most remote and unconnected areas in Asia. It notes that Thaicom has four geostationary satellites in orbit today: Thaicom-4, -6, -7, and -8, providing a mix of broadcast and broadband services.
(Sources: Thaicom; SpaceNews)
