Satellite industry analysts are viewing the successful launch of the Asia Cellular Satellite (ACeS) satellite, Garuda 1, as a promising sign for major backer PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara [PSNRY] of Indonesia.

Vijay Jayant, a satellite analyst with the New York-based investment bank Bear Stearns, said the Feb. 12 launch of a Russian-built Proton rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan by International Launch Services was “very important for PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara, which owns 35 percent of ACeS. The joint venture also is owned by Lockheed Martin Global Telecommunications [LMT], the Philippine Long Distance Co. (PLDT) and Jasmine International Public Co. Ltd. of Thailand.

Aces plans to provide voice, facsimile, data and Internet services through handheld mobile and fixed terminals throughout Asia.

“This launch removes some uncertainty on the Proton, given the two prior mishaps on the Proton that has already delayed SIRI’s launches, according to a brief report that Jayant released this morning.