Arianespace signs deal to launch Telkom-1 satellite

JAKARTA (JP): The European space launcher Arianespace, yesterday signed a deal with state owned PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) to launch the Telkom-1 satellite.

Arianespace's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Charles Bigot said the satellite would be launched from the European Spaceport in French Guiana by early 1999.

The new satellite, constructed by U.S. firm Lockheed Martin Communications Inc., will weigh nearly 2,500 kilograms at lift off, and will be equipped with 32-C band transponders.

"It will enable PT Telkom to offer voice and data services for over 15 years," Bigot said.

Telkom-1 will be the third Indonesian satellite launched by Arianespace, after the Palapa C2 satellite last May and Indostar which is due for lift off in July or August this year.

Bigot refused to reveal the value of the latest contract, but estimated that all three contracts in Indonesia had amounted to over US$200 million.

Industry sources have estimated the total cost of launching Telkom-1 at up to US$140 million.

"The choice of Arianespace by one of Asia's leading nations strengthens our position in South East Asia," Bigot said.

The company has signed 30 satellite launching contracts in Asia and Australia since 1983, he said, adding that Asia represents about 30 percent of his company's business.

He said the satellite system could be applied to many fields including direct television, mobile phones and multi-media systems.

Bigot said his company planned to increase its service by 50 percent to launch more Indonesian satellites.

"We will try to increase our customers in the country by aiming to launch at least one satellite a year," he said.

After the year 2000, the company may launch more than one Indonesian satellite per year he said.

Telkom's new satellite would replace the Palapa B12 which is scheduled to end its service life in 1999.

Indonesia, which launched satellites as early as 1976, has four Palapa models in orbit.

The satellites include three B generation and two C series models, the latter operated by Satelindo, with 30 percent shares owned by PT Telkom.

During yesterday's contract signing ceremony, both PT Telkom and Arianespace agreed to cooperate in rocket technology training.

Bigot said Arianespace would cooperate with European universities and space companies to provide technical,legal and business training 10 Telkom staff in the space industry, he said.

The Telkom-1 contract is the 170th contract signed by Arianespace since its establishment in 1980.

The company's orderbook now stands at 40 satellites worth approximately US$3.1 billion, he said. (das)