[Satellite TODAY 06-01-11] Thaicom has announced it has received approval from Thailand’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technology for its new satellite, Thaicom 6, which is expected to cost around $160 million, the operator announced May 31.

            Thaicom 6 aims to boost Thaicom’s position in video markets across Asia. The operator said demand for satellite transponders in the C-band and Ku-band frequencies in Southeast Asia, East and South Asia is expected to be strong.

            The satellite will be equipped with 18 C-band transponders and 8 Ku-band transponders. It will weigh 3,000 kilograms with a minimum life of 15 years of service. Thaicom 6 will be located at 78.5 degrees East and will be co-located with Thaicom 5. The company will start the Thaicom 6 project immediately and is expected to launch the Thaicom 6 satellite into orbit by the second quarter of 2013.