The Thaicom 5 communications satellite, built by Alcatel Alenia Space, arrived at the Kourou, French Guiana launch site on April 22. The launch by an Ariane 5 ECA is slated for May 26. Thaicom 5 is the second satellite built by Alcatel Alenia Space for Thailand.

Thaicom 5 was made for Thai satellite operator Shin Satellite Inc. Positioned at 78.5 degrees East, Thaicom 5 will provide broadband telecommunications and broadcast transmission services. It will enable Shin Satellite to replace the Thaicom 1 and 2 satellites (reaching end-of-life in 2008 and 2009), while increasing its Ku-band transmission capacity for Thailand and neighbouring countries.

The Thaicom 5 satellite is based on the Spacebus platform, which has logged extensive experience in orbit. It will weigh about 2,800 kilograms (6,173 pounds) at launch, offering total power of five kilowatts, with 14 Ku-band channel and 24 K-band channels.

Alcatel is prime contractor for 10 communications and Earth observation satellites launched during the year: Hot BirdTM7A, CALIPSO, Thaicom 5, Syracuse 3B, Koreasat 5, Rascom, Galaxy 17, Corot, Giove B, StarOne C1. In addition, seven other satellites are carrying payloads made by Alcatel Alenia Space: Arabsat 4A, Arabsat 4B, SarLupe, IASI, MTSAT 2, XM4, Goce.