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.
| Names | Paksat-MM1 |
|---|---|
| Mission type | Communications |
| Operator | AsiaSat (2003–2017) PAKSAT (2018–2023) It will be re-launch in July 2024 |
| COSPAR ID | 2003-014A |
| SATCAT no. | 27718 |
| Website | https://www.asiasat.com |
| Mission duration | 15 years (planned) 21 years and 22 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 |
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 edit
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 edit
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 edit
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 movement and with its original name AsiaSat 4.
PakSat-MM1 will be launched in July 2024 and 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. This information is available on Paksat official site PAKSAT.COM.PK, where pre launch booking is continued.
See also edit
References edit
- ^ "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.