Bermuda – Boeing has delivered ABS-2A, an all-electric propulsion 702 satellite, to ABS which entered into commercial service on January 21st. This is the second of the pair of all-electric satellite Boeing has delivered to ABS. ABS-2A was launched in June 2016 aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 and will provide enhanced satellite communications services, including direct-to-home television services.

Equipped with 48 Ku-band transponders, the satellite will serve ABS’ customers in Africa, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Russia, South Asia and South East Asia regions at 74.725 degrees east.

“We have completed our 3 satellite build investment in launching 3 satellites in 3 consecutive years (ABS-2 in 2014, ABS-3A in 2015 and ABS-2A in 2016).  ABS-2A is the latest high-capacity satellite providing expansion capacity and continuity of satellite services at our prime gateway over the Indian Ocean region.  It is located with ABS-2 at our premium neighborhood at 75°E, optimised for video services for growing CATV and DTH businesses,” said Tom Choi, CEO of ABS.

“Boeing is the first satellite manufacturer to build and deliver all-electric propulsion satellites, and this latest delivery reaffirms our leadership with all-electric propulsion,” said Mark Spiwak, president, Boeing Satellite Systems International. “The scalable 702 satellite, coupled with the efficiency of all-electric propulsion, allows two satellites to launch inside one rocket. This ability to stack and join the satellites using our patented design enables our customers to minimise the costs associated with launching a single satellite.”