[Satellite TODAY 03-08-10] Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS) signed a long-term capacity deal with Intersputnik International Organization of Space Communications for capacity on the ABS-2 satellite, ABS announced March 8.
   The multi-transponder lifetime lease agreement means Intersputnik becomes the largest customer to date for capacity on the ABS-2 satellite, which is scheduled to be placed in orbit in 2012.
   “We look forward to the launch of the most advanced satellite ABS-2 in the Asia-Pacific region and start of its commercial service in 2012. Considering the acute shortage of satellite capacity, this spacecraft’s resource is indispensable on the rapidly growing telecommunications market in Russia,” Stefan Kollar, deputy director general of Intersputnik, said in a statement.