Artist’s rendition of the Tupac Katari satellite. Photo: ABE

[Via Satellite 07-06-2015] The Bolivian space agency, Agencia Boliviana Espacial (ABE), has placed an initial order with Gilat for a SkyEdge 2-c hub, high-throughput Gemini Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs), SatCare maintenance and training as the basis for a national VSAT platform for its Tupac Katari satellite program.

The Tupac Katari satellite, built by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), is Bolivia’s first communications satellite. China launched the spacecraft aboard a Long March 3B carrier rocket in December 2013. ABE was responsible for securing the launch, and is charged with the management and use of the national satellite.

“We have been providing space segment services since April of 2015. With our new satellite network in place, we will be able to offer complete connectivity solutions,” said Ivan Zambrana, executive director of ABE.