Names | Paksat-MM1 |
---|---|
Mission type | Communications |
Operator | AsiaSat (2003–2017) PAKSAT (2018–2023) Successfully launched on 30 May 2024 |
COSPAR ID | 2003-014A |
SATCAT no. | 27718 |
Website | https://www.asiasat.com |
Mission duration | 15 years (planned) 21 years, 4 months and 5 days (in progress) |
Spacecraft properties | |
Spacecraft | AsiaSat 4 |
Spacecraft type | Boeing 601 |
Bus | HS-601HP |
Manufacturer | Hughes Space and Communications |
Launch mass | 4,137 kg (9,121 lb) |
Dry mass | 2,500 kg (5,500 lb) |
Dimensions | 3.4 m x 3.5 m x 5.8 m Span: 26.2 m on orbit |
Power | 9.6 kW |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | 12 April 2003, 00:47:01 UTC |
Rocket | Atlas 3B SEC (AC-205) |
Launch site | Cape Canaveral, SLC-36B |
Contractor | Lockheed Martin |
Entered service | June 2003 |
Orbital parameters | |
Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
Regime | Geostationary orbit |
Longitude | 122° East (2003–2017) 38° East (2018–present) |
Transponders | |
Band | 48 transponders: 28 C-band 20 Ku-band |
Coverage area | Asia, Pacific Ocean |
The PakSat-MM1 is a communications satellite, leased to the Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, by the Hong Kong based Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company (AsiaSat). Originally known as AsiaSat 4, it was positioned in geostationary orbit at a longitude of 122° East of the Greenwich Meridian, but now moved to 38.2° East.
It spent most of its operational life at 122° East,[1] from where it was used to provide fixed satellite services, including broadcasting, audio and data transmission, to Asia and the Pacific Ocean.[2]
Satellite description
AsiaSat 4 was built by Hughes Space and Communications, for US$220 million, which by the time of its launch had become part of Boeing Satellite Systems. It is based on the HS-601HP satellite bus. At launch, it had a mass of 4,137 kg (9,121 lb),[2] and a design life of fifteen years. It carries twenty eight C-band and twenty Ku-band transponders.[2] It was planned for late 1999, but was delayed because of the Asian crisis. Construction started in September 2000.[3]
Launch
The launch of AsiaSat 4 was launched by an Atlas 3B SEC launch vehicle with a Centaur upper stage. The launch was conducted from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (SLC-36B) at 00:47:01 UTC on 12 April 2003.[4]
AsiaSat 4 was insured for launch and first year in orbit. The AsiaSat 4 was replaced by AsiaSat 9 in 2017.[5]
Paksat-MM1
AsiaSat 4 in February 2018, was leased to PakSat International operator. It was subsequently moved to a longitude of 38.2° East, and in March 2018 it began operations for PakSat, who refer to it as Paksat-MM1 (Paksat-Multi Mission 1).[2] Paksat-MM1 was a leased satellite whose original name was AsiaSat 4, When lease ended, it was returned to China and then it moved to 147.5° E. According to flysat.com its now empty satellite at the moment and with its original name AsiaSat 4.
Paksat-MM1R
PakSat-MM1R was launched on 30 May 2024, and has reached its earth orbit on June 5, 2024[6] and the satellite will be available for its services by end August 2024, as per plan. This high power multi-mission satellite will provide services in C, Ku and Ka Bands.
See also
References
- ^ "AsiaSat 4" (PDF). AsiaSat. 22 October 2015. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
- ^ a b c d Krebs, Gunter (24 March 2018). "AsiaSat 4". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
- ^ "AsiaSat 4". The Satellite Encyclopedia. 28 February 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
- ^ McDowell, Jonathan (14 March 2021). "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
- ^ "AsiaSat 9". AsiaSat. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
- ^ "PakSat MM1 reaches its earth orbit". Retrieved 8 June 2024.