MUMBAI: Boeing has delivered ABS-2A, an all-electric propulsion 702 satellite, to ABS which entered into commercial service on 21 January. This is the second of the pair of all-electric satellite Boeing has delivered to ABS.

ABS, one of the globe's fastest growing global satellite operators, offers a complete range of tailored solutions including broadcasting, data and telecommunication services to broadcasters, service providers, enterprises and government organisations.

It operates a fleet of satellites; ABS-2, ABS-2A, ABS-3A, ABS-4/Mobisat-1, ABS-6 and ABS-7. The satellite fleet covers 93 per cent of the population across the Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, CIS and Russia.

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 three satellite build investment in launching as many satellites in as many 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, optimized for video services for growing CATV and DTH businesses,” said ABS CEO Tom Choi.

“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 Boeing Satellite Systems International president Mark Spiwak. “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 minimize the costs associated with launching a single satellite.”

Headquartered in Bermuda, ABS, with offices in the U.S, the UAE, South Africa and Asia, is majority-owned by funds managed by PE Permira.

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