The agreement provides AsiaSat with an option it may exercise for the launch of a future AsiaSat satellite on a Zenit 3SL vehicle. Sea Launch will provide AsiaSat with an integrated schedule assurance plan in support of AsiaSat’s satellite deployment plan.

In February 2012, AsiaSat chose SpaceX as its primary launch partner for the launches of AsiaSat 6 and AsiaSat 8 in 2014. The new spacecraft expands AsiaSat’s fleet from four to six satellites to provide more high quality and comprehensive satellite services in the Asia-Pacific region.

“AsiaSat is pleased to secure this launch option with Sea Launch to ensure the timely deployment of our satellites,” AsiaSat President and CEO William Wade said in a statement. “Sea Launch has demonstrated its flexibility in meeting the needs of our future launch requirements and we look forward to closely working with their teams moving ahead.”