Alphasat satellite moves closer to reality
The European Space Agency (ESA) has moved closer to implementing the first satellite based on Alphabus, the new European telecommunications platform. Alphabus is a programme initiated by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the French Space Agency (CNES) to develop a new multi-purpose platform for the high-power payload communications satellites needed to power mobile and broadband services, digital radio broadcasting. The Alphasat satellite will be used on the Alphabus proto-flight platform to carry out in-orbit validation of the platform. It will be positioned at 25 degrees east, with its coverage centred over Africa and providing additional coverage to Europe, the Middle-East and parts of Asia. The Alphasat programme, which will start in the third quarter of 2007 with a launch targeted by 2011, aims to ensure that Europe remains competitive in the world market for high power satellite telecommunications.