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Elon Musk helps AsiaSat with new regional satellites

Asia Pac enjoys a satellite bonanza

Hong Kong satellite operator AsiaSat and space launch company Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) will launch two new communications satellites in 2014 servicing the Asia Pacific region.

Space X was founded by dotcom protagonist, PayPal and Tesla creator Elon Musk.

AsiaSat 6 and AsiaSat 8 are scheduled to launch in the first half of 2014 from SpaceX’s launch complex at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, USA. The two SS/L 1300 satellites will serve Asia, the Middle East and Australasia.

AsiaSat 6 will have 28 high-powered C-band transponders while AsiaSat 8 will have 24 Ku-band transponders and a Ka-band beam.

Musk, who is both CEO and CTO of SpaceX, said that commercial launches now represent over 60 percent of their upcoming missions.

With the launch of the new satellites AsiaSat will expand its our fleet from four to six satellites in 2014 to provide more comprehensive satellite services in the Asia-Pacific region.

AsiaSat’s AsiaSat 3S, AsiaSat 4, AsiaSat 5 and AsiaSat 7 power over 620 million TV households in the Asia-Pacific region offering 500 channels and a range radio program.

Space Systems/Loral secured the contracts to build the AsiaSat 6 and AsiaSat 8 satellites in November. ®

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