Bangkok--Oct 7--Shin Satellite
Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), the U.S. manufacturer of the IPSTAR-1 satellite, has informed Shin Satellite Plc., that the spacecraft has now successfully completed its mechanical qualification checks, called Dynamic Testing. The spacecraft underwent launch configuration for the dynamic tests with all antennas and solar arrays installed and stowed. IPSTAR-1 was then subject to vibration and acoustic environments that simulated the forces it will experience at launch. Other testing concerned deploying the antennas and solar arrays, assuring mechanical alignment and quality. This test effectively confirms the integrity of the spacecraft and its ability to withstand launch stresses.
The dynamic tests followed stringent thermal vacuum tests in early August during which the spacecraft successfully completed all electrical qualification tests, including the ability of the bus and payload to withstand the simulated heat and cold it will experience in the vacuum of space.
The spacecraft will next undergo transmit and receive performance testing and final antenna pattern testing in the Compact Antenna Range Test. Final testing will be concluded by December 2004. The satellite is now on schedule for launch approximately February to March 2005.
Press & Investor Relations,
Shin Satellite Plc, 41/103 Rattanathibet
Rd. Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.
Tel. (66 2) 596-8495 Fax. (66 2) 591-0714,
email: [email protected] End.
--InfoQuest (NT)--