Asia Broadcast Satellite has selected Space Systems Loral (SSL) to manufacture the ABS-2 spacecraft to be co-located with ABS-1 at 75 degrees east longitude. The satellite is to be launched in 2012 from French Guiana aboard an Ariane 5 launcher.

ABS-2 will be the world’s most powerful commercial satellite ever launched in the Asia Pacific Region with 78 Ka, Ku and C band transponders, and a total output power capability of 14 kW. The satellite will be fueled for a service life of 15 years and will weigh over 6000kg at launch.

ABS-2 will join ABS-1, already considered by some to be one of the most successful satellites in the APR in terms of transponder loading.  ABS-1 still has 14 years of propellant remaining.

SingTel has already announced that it has signed an agreement to purchase multiple transponders on the new satellite.

ABS-1 can be observed with a 3.7m dish from Sydney.

Photo: ABS-1 Footprint.