Arianespace successfully launched the THAICOM 4 (IPSTAR) spacecraft, the heaviest commercial satellite to date, aboard an Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana.
Built for Shin Satellite, Plc of Thailand, iPSTAR-1 is designed to provide both enterprises and consumers throughout Asia, Australia and New Zealand with various levels of Internet access services.
iPSTAR-1 has a total data throughput capacity of over 40 Gbps. The satellite will provide users with data speeds of up to 8 Mbps on the forward link and 4 Mbps on the return link. From its 119.5 degrees East longitude orbital position, iPSTAR-1 will use its seven on-board antennas to create 112 spot and regional beams in the Ku and Ka frequency bands. The satellite will generate 14 kW of electrical power throughout its planned 12- year service life.
iPSTAR-1 was built by Space Systems/Loral (SS/L). With a launch weight of 14,341 pounds (6505 kilograms) it will be the heaviest commercial satellite ever delivered to geosynchronous orbit.
http://www.arianespace.com/http://www.ipstar.com
