Garuda-1, the first satellite that will serve the geo-based mobile telephone communications market in Asia, is currently being readied for launch next month from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan. Garuda-1 is the first satellite of a constellation that comprises the ACeS System.
ACeS is an advanced mobile telephony and data service communication system that will enable customers equipped with hand-held terminals to communicate via high-quality, low cost digital signals that will provide access to voice, data, and fax services.
The ACeS System is owned by Bermuda-based ASIA Cellular Satellite (ACeS) International, with primary shareholders Lockheed Martin Global Telecommunications, Pasifik Satelit Nusantara, Jasmine International Overseas Company Ltd. and the Philippines Long Distance Telephone Company.
The satellite was built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems, Sunnyvale, CA. It will be launched on a Proton-D1e supplied by International Launch Services, San Diego.
The satellite left Moffett Federal Airfield on Sept. 23 on an Antonov transport aircraft and arrived in Baikonur on Sept. 25. The satellite is planned to begin service in April 2000, following in-orbit checkout operations.
"With the impending launch of the ACeS satellite and the final integration of the network and satellite control centers and gateways during very thorough system testing this fall and winter, the ACeS International business will be positioned to serve all of Asia with very competitively priced services and small GSM and D/AMPS handsets. We believe that this system is the solution for satellite-based mobile services which our industry has been searching for," said Michael Williams, Senior Vice President for Strategy and Ventures at Lockheed Martin Global Telecommunications and member of the ACeS International Board.
"Providing telecommunications service in this region via geostationary satellites is an incredible technical accomplishment," said Peter Kujawski, President of Commercial Space Systems. "We're extremely pleased to continue this partnership with ACeS."
"This A2100 AX-based satellite is capable of handling two to three million subscribers per year " said Craig Renton, Director of geo-mobile satellite programs at Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems. "Our satellites can provide the greatest capacity at the lowest cost for the ACeS system."
The satellite will operate in the L-band to provide geo-based mobile telephony services to Asia, providing coverage of 60 percent of the world's population.
The second ACeS satellite, Garuda-2, will serve first as a back-up to Garuda-1, and then allow the ACeS system to expand coverage to western and central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and northern Africa.
