Thales Alenia Space and Arianespace have signed a launch service and solutions contract for Rascom-1, the first pan-African communications satellite. The satellite is scheduled for launch into a geostationary transfer orbit later this year by an Ariane 5 launcher from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
Rascom-1, built by Thales Alenia Space as part of a turnkey contract with RascomStar-QAF, will provide telecommunication services in rural areas of Africa, as well as domestic and international connections, direct TV broadcast services, and Internet access, for 15 years. Based on a Spacebus 4000B3 platform, Rascom-1 is equipped with 12 Ku-band transponders and 8 C-band transponders. It will weigh about 3,200kg at launch, will have a 6.4kW power end of life, and will be positioned at 2.85 degrees East.
In the scope of the Rascom program, Thales Alenia Space supplies both the in-orbit satellite delivery and its associated ground infrastructure including the mission, business, and ground control segments.
Pascale Sourisse, president and CEO of Thales Alenia Space, said they are very proud of participating in this program that will contribute to bridging the digital divide between rural and urban areas and to ensuring economical development in Africa. "This ambitious project is a natural fit with our businesses since we believe that everybody should enjoy access to the resources needed to communicate. This contract highlights the successful cooperation between Thales Alenia Space and Arianespace as four Spacebus satellites will be launched from Kourou in the next months."
"We are very honored by RascomStar-QAF and Thales Alenia Space's confidence in us," said Jean-Yves Le Gall, chairman and CEO of Arianespace. "Their selection reflects the excellence of Arianespace's launch service and solutions. With Rascom-1, RascomStar-QAF will be able to offer a full range of dedicated telecommunications services for the entire African continent."
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