Satellite operator Thaicom announced its subsidiary Space Tech Innovation Limited (STI) had signed a deal with SpaceX to launch a satellite to provide gigabit connectivity across the Asia-Pacific.
In a statement, the Asian satellite provider said it would launch its THAICOM-10 satellite on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Florida in the US.
The Airbus Defence and Space SAS-manufactured THAICOM-10 can provide over 120Gbps of capacity and connect Thaicom customers and partners across the Asia-Pacific with “extended connectivity.” The satellite will operate at the 119.5 degrees East orbital slot.
Thaicom CEO Patompob (Nile) Suwansiri said: “Thaicom has a long-standing partnership with SpaceX, based on trust in their cutting-edge technology and Falcon 9’s unrivalled reliability. Our relationship started with the successful launch of the THAICOM 6 satellite in 2014, which was one of the earliest Falcon 9 missions.
'This was followed by the launches of other satellites in Thaicom’s fleet, which strengthened our continued trust in SpaceX. With this agreement, Thaicom will be able to optimise our investment and achieve reliable, cost-effective access to space for our THAICOM-10 satellite.”
