[Satellite TODAY 11-15-11] Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co. (AsiaSat) has contracted Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) to construct and deliver two new satellites — AsiaSat 6 and AsiaSat 8 — the satellite operator announced Nov. 11.

            AsiaSat 6 will carry a 28 high-power transponder C-band payload, while AsiaSat 8 will be equipped with 24 Ku-band transponders and a Ka-band beam. Both satellites will be based on SS/L’s 1300 satellite platform and positioned to serve Asia, the Middle East and Australasia after they are launched no later than early 2014, AsiaSat said.

            The high-power transponders on the satellites aim to enable the use of small antennas on the ground and expand AsiaSat’s fleet to provide a broader range of services.

            The AsiaSat 6 and AsiaSat 8 deal represents the sixth satellite contract awarded to SS/L in 2011. “We delivered AsiaSat 5 in 2009 and AsiaSat 7 was shipped one month ahead of schedule and is currently at launch base in preparation for launch on Nov. 26,” SS/L President John Celli said in a statement.

            Financial details of the contract were not disclosed.