Thales to Build Rascom-QAF1R, Supply Amos-5 Payload

[Satellite Today 09-09-08] Thales Alenia Space signed a contract with Rascomstar-QAF for the construction of the Rascom-QAF1R telecommunication satellite, Thales announced Sept. 9.
    Based on the Spacebus 4000 B3 platform, Rascom-QAF1R will be fitted with 12 Ku-band and eight C-band transponders and will be located at 2.85 degrees East.
    Rascom-QAF1, placed in orbit in December, suffered a helium leak that has reduced the satellite’s expected lifetime.
    Thales also announced a cooperative contract with JSC-ISS, formerly NPO-PM, of Russia to supply the Amos-5 communications satellite payload. ISS, the prime contractor, is building the satellite for Israeli satellite operator Spacecom Ltd.