Paksat-MM1 | |
Names List: | Paksat-MM1 |
Mission Type: | Communications |
Operator: | AsiaSat (2003–2017) PAKSAT (2018–2023) Successfully launched on 30 May 2024 |
Cospar Id: | 2003-014A |
Satcat: | 27718 |
Website: | https://www.asiasat.com |
Mission Duration: | 15 years (planned) (in progress) |
Spacecraft: | AsiaSat 4 |
Spacecraft Type: | Boeing 601 |
Spacecraft Bus: | HS-601HP |
Manufacturer: | Hughes Space and Communications |
Dimensions: | 3.4 m x 3.5 m x 5.8 m Span: 26.2 m on orbit |
Power: | 9.6 kW |
Launch Rocket: | Atlas 3B SEC (AC-205) |
Launch Site: | Cape Canaveral, SLC-36B |
Launch Contractor: | Lockheed Martin |
Entered Service: | June 2003 |
Orbit Reference: | Geocentric orbit |
Orbit Regime: | Geostationary orbit |
Orbit Longitude: | 122° East (2003–2017) 38° East (2018–present) |
Apsis: | gee |
Trans Band: | 48 transponders: 28 C-band 20 Ku-band |
Trans Coverage: | Asia, Pacific Ocean |
Programme: | AsiaSat constellation |
Previous Mission: | AsiaSat 3S |
Next Mission: | AsiaSat 5 |
Programme2: | Paksat constellation |
Previous Mission2: | Paksat-1R |
Next Mission2: | Paksat-MM1R |
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.
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]
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,[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]
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]
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 moment and with its original name AsiaSat 4.
PakSat-MM1R was launched on 30 May 2024, and has reached its earth orbit on June 5, 2024[6] and the 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.