S04 CAF 4 2016 - Report BA_CA_ advertorial ABS_Layout 1 26/07/2016 06:36 Page 16
SATELLITE
ABS-2A
A strategically significant satellite launch ABS celebrates the successful launch of ABS-2A, one year after the launch of ABS-3A, and the promise of optimised connections across Africa and Asia
BS IS ONE of the fastest growing global satellite operators in the world. ABS offers a complete range of tailored solutions including broadcasting, data and telecommunication services to broadcasters, service providers, enterprises and government organisations. ABS recently successfully launched ABS-2A aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 full thrust rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in the USA. The satellite lifted off as part of a dual launch, with a second deployment following a half-hour after lift off. The ABS-2A satellite is the second of the pair of the innovated allelectric propulsion satellites, manufactured by Boeing Satellite Systems International. It is equipped with an all Ku-band payload of 48 high performance transponders connecting Africa, MENA, Russia, South Asia and South East Asia regions. ABS-2A will be co-located with ABS-2 and will deliver enhanced broadcast and data services from 75°E.
A
A global fleet Before the launch of ABS-2A, ABS already operated a fleet of satellites, comprising: ABS-2, ABS-3, ABS-3A ABS-4/Mobisat-1, ABS-6, and ABS-7. The satellite fleet covers over 80 per cent of the world’s population across the Americas, Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, CIS and Russia. A new satellite, ABS-8, is under procurement for future deployment.
“Satellites are unmatched by any other forms of technology for video distribution and it has been ABS’s intention to strategically build satellites that have been designed for this purpose.” - Tom Choi, CEO, ABS A growing business Tom Choi, CEO of ABS, “The launch of ABS-2A represents a significant milestone for ABS. Today we launched the third of our three satellite build strategy which completes a US$700mn capex programme. ABS2, ABS-3A and ABS-2A are extremely capable satellites which have been optimised for CATV and DTH services. “Satellites are unmatched by any other forms of technology for video distribution and it has been ABS’s intention to strategically build satellites that have been designed for this purpose. ABS’s video business has grown from 10 per cent of our business in 2012 to 45 per cent today. With the launch of ABS-2A, the second satellite to our premium DTH neighbourhood at 75°E, we will be offering our customers expansion capacity and in-orbit redundancy for their growing DTH businesses. “We would like to thank our technology partners Boeing and SpaceX for making today’s achievement possible and we also thank the US EXIM bank for believing in our vision and providing financing for all of our satellites.”
All-electric Boeing gained a contract to build ABS-2A, a 702SP (small platform) 16 Communications Africa Issue 4 2016
The ABS-2A satellite at launch in June 2016
satellite, after building the world’s first all-electric propulsion satellite for ABS in 2015 - the ABS-3A spacecraft. The ABS-3A has been operational since an on-orbit handover last August - at which point it expanded ABS’ communications services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The ABS-3A spacecraft’s all-electric xenon-ion propulsion system contains a sufficient quantity of the inert, non-hazardous element xenon to extend the satellite’s operations beyond the expected spacecraft design life of 15 years. Boeing says that the spacecraft’s technology is based on 210,000 hours of ion propulsion flight experience and is 10 times more efficient than liquid-fuelled rockets. Four 25-cm (9.8-in) thrusters using xenon as a propellant allow the 702SP satellite to maintain station-keeping while using only 5 kg (11 lb) of fuel per year. “Boeing is proud to have ABS as one of our first customers to choose the 702SP design, the world’s first all-electric propulsion satellite,” said Mark Spiwak, president of Boeing Satellite Systems International. “Electric propulsion is more efficient and helps lower the mass of a satellite allowing for larger, high-power payload capabilities.” ✆ www.communicationsafrica.com