Bangkok--29 May--Shin Satellite
Shin Satellite Public Company Limited successfully launched Thaicom 5 into orbit at 18:09 hrs (04:09 hrs Bangkok time), 27 May (28 May in Bangkok) 2006 from the Spaceport at Kourou, French Guiana, in South America. The launch, onboard an Ariane 5 ECA rocket, was a complete success.
The satellite will take 10 days to achieve its final geostationary orbit at 78.5 degrees East where it will be tested prior to the commencement of commercial use.
Thaicom 5 is a Spacebus 3000A model by Alcatel Alenia Space of France. It has a footprint covering four continents. It will be used for broadcasting, especially Direct-to-Home television and High Definition TV, and telecommunications.
Shin Satellite:
Ms Piyanuch Sujpluem, International Public Relations, Shin Satellite Plc, 41/103 Rattanathibet Rd., Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.
Tel. (66 2) 591-0736 to 49 Ext. 8495 Fax. (66 2) 591-0724, email: [email protected]