Alcatel is having a busy summer. In addition to delivering the payloads for ‘Rock’ and ‘Roll’ for XM Radio, the company claims it has won a very respectable 27 per cent of commercial communications satellite orders this year. Its current order book shows two imminent planned launches. Jason-1 on a Delta rocket/Proteus platform, and Atlantic Bird 2 for Eutelsat using a Spacebus 3000 platform, both during September.

Alcatel satellites currently being integrated

Satellite Site Test

Hotbird 6 Cannes
Service module and communications module now being mated.

Astra 1K Cannes
The satellite structure is now 6.6 metres high.Testing continues, with thermal, mechanical and RF tests.

Hispasat 1D Cannes
The system passed its critical design review (CDR) in late June.

Stentor Cannes
Integration continues, with the vibration tests, followed by acoustic tests.

Stellat 5 Cannes/ Toulouse
The system passed its CDR in May, and integration is now proceeding on schedule. Integration of the 45 Ku- and C-band transponders in the communications module has started.

Data: Alcatel Space