PARIS --- Alcatel announced today that it had signed a contract for the construction and delivery of a new satellite for American operator PanAmSat. Designated Galaxy 17, it will be the first European-built satellite in PanAmSat's fleet. PanAmSat is one of the world's largest suppliers of satellite communication services, covering the United States, Latin America, Africa, Europe, Middle East and Asia.
Based on Alcatel's Spacebus 3000 B3 platform, Galaxy 17 will be fitted with 24 Ku-band and 24 C-band transponders to provide television and telephone transmission services for North America. It will weigh about 4100 kg at launch, and offer beginning-of-life power of approximately 9.5 kW, plus a design life of 15 years.
As part of today's contract, Alcatel Space is in charge of satellite construction and delivery of a satellite simulator. In addition, it is responsible for the launch campaign, satellite positioning and in-orbit tests.
"Last year, PanAmSat achieved a system transmission reliability of 99.9999986% on our fleet. Our customers have come to expect this level of service and we are committed to providing it to them," said Joe Wright, President and CEO of PanAmSat. "We selected Alcatel as the manufacturer of Galaxy XVII because they share our same commitment to technology, quality and reliability and are dedicated to attaining the highest levels possible."
Commenting on this contract, Alcatel Space Chairman and CEO Pascale Sourisse said: "We are very pleased with our selection by American operator PanAmSat, which bolsters our position as a satellite supplier to the U.S. market."
Galaxy 17 is the 50th satellite in the range of geostationary communications satellites using the Alcatel Space Spacebus platform. With the aggregation of improvements over more than 20 years, and with a constant focus on reliability, Alcatel's platform has amply demonstrated its capabilities.
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.
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50th Spacebus Satellite Bolsters Alcatel's Market Position in the U.S.Satellite Area
