Thaicom strengthens fleet at 119.5 degrees East with THAICOM-9

Thaicom strengthens fleet at 119.

• Thaicom partners with U.S.-based Astranis to launch THAICOM-9, enhancing satellite services at 119.5 degrees East for broader Asian coverage.
• THAICOM-9, set for a 2025 launch, will introduce high-performance software-defined radio (SDR) technology for dynamic bandwidth and frequency adjustments.
• CEOs of Thaicom and Astranis highlight the partnership’s role in driving regional market expansion and affirm commitment to satellite innovation and operational excellence.

Thaicom Public Company Limited, a key player in Asia’s satellite and space technology sector, has announced its collaboration with the American satellite company Astranis. This partnership involves the provision of THAICOM-9, the latest addition to Thaicom’s satellite fleet, positioned at 119.5 degrees East.

Space Tech Innovation Limited, a subsidiary of Thaicom, and Astranis have agreed on deploying an Astranis MicroGEO satellite to facilitate Ka-band services throughout Asia. This agreement includes potential future expansions to increase coverage. Scheduled for launch in 2025, THAICOM-9 aims to enhance the reliability of services for Thaicom’s customers and partners across Asia.

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THAICOM-9 satellite to offer operational flexibility

THAICOM-9 is set to provide advanced operational capabilities for Thaicom, including superior market responsiveness and adaptability to mission requirements while in orbit. Featuring high-performance software-defined radio (SDR) technology, the satellite will be capable of adjusting coverage, bandwidth, and operational parameters such as frequency and power levels dynamically, catering to various geographic needs.

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Patompob (Nile) Suwansiri, CEO of Thaicom, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “Securing this advanced satellite solution from Astranis marks a significant step towards sustaining service continuity and expanding our market reach. This initiative not only supports our immediate market demands but also drives innovation and widens the array of products and services we offer in the region. It underscores our commitment to maintaining leadership in the satellite sector and continuing our growth as a premier space technology company.”

John Gedmark, CEO and Co-founder of Astranis, commented on the collaboration, “This partnership represents a significant advancement for Thaicom and underscores their ongoing commitment to innovation in the geostationary orbit. Astranis’s plan to deploy a record number of geostationary satellites in the coming years, combined with Thaicom’s confidence in our capabilities, signals to the industry that satellite technology is already operational and making an impact.”