Digital rendering of the Telkom 3S satellite. Photo: Thales Alenia Space

[Via Satellite 07-22-2014] Telekomunikasi Indonesia TbK (Telkom) has selected Thales Alenia Space to build a new 3,500 kg satellite named Telkom 3S for HD broadcasts and Global System for Mobile communications (GSM)/Internet services. Thales Alenia Space said the satellite will likely launch with preferred bidder Arianespace in late 2016.

Telkom 3S will carry a C-band payload covering Indonesia and part of Malaysia with 24 regular transponders and eight extended transponders. The satellite’s Ku-band payload of 10 transponders is dedicated to Indonesia.

Thales Alenia Space, the prime contractor, is building the satellite using the Spacebus 4000B2. In addition to designing and manufacturing the satellite, Thales Alenia Space is tasked with arranging the Launch and Early Orbital positioning Phase (LEOP) and In-Orbit Tests (IOT). The company will train a team of engineers to operate the satellite as well.