The AsiaSat 6 satellite is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers after it was successfully launched early on the morning of Sept. 7, according to satellite manufacturer Space Systems/Loral (SSL).
Launch took place around 1 am EDT from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., on one of Space Exploration Technology Corp.’s (SpaceX) Falcon 9 rockets. AsiaSat 6 deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch and began firing its main thruster on the night of Srpt. 7 to start maneuvering into geostationary earth orbit (GEO). SSL spokeswoman Wendy Lewis said Sept. 8 AsiaSat 6 was communicating with the ground, but had not yet arrived at its orbital slot yet and, thus, was not providing service.
AsiaSat 6 is designed to provide broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband services across the Asia-Pacific region, where SSL says it will help meet growing demand for satellite services. AsiaSat 6 has 28 C-band transponders and will be positioned at 120 degrees East longitude. Thaicom is leasing 14 of these transponders, according to a Thaicom spokeswoman, and has named its part of the satellite Thaicom-7.
SpaceX’s next flight is its fourth Cargo Resupply Services (CRS-4) mission to the International Space Station (ISS), tentatively scheduled for no earlier than Sept. 19 from Cape Canaveral, according to NASA.