* Astronomy

Private Thai operator Shin Satellite and Arianespace signed the launch contract for the THAICOM 5 satellite, in a ceremony attended by Christine Lagarde, French Minister for Foreign Trade.

The THAICOM 5 satellite launch contract was signed at World Satellite Business Week 2005 by Dr. Dumrong Kasemset, Executive Chairman of Shin Satellite Plc, and Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace. Christine Lagarde, French Minister for Foreign Trade, was present at the signing.
This latest contract between Shin Satellite and Arianespace comes less than four weeks after the successful launch of THAICOM 4 (IPSTAR).

THAICOM 5 is slated for an Ariane 5 launch in 2006 from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

It will be the fifth satellite launched by Arianespace for the privately-owned Thai operator, following THAICOM 1 in December 1993, THAICOM 2 in October 1994, THAICOM 3 in April 1997 and THAICOM 4 (IPSTAR) on August 11, 2005.

Built by Alcatel Alenia Space, THAICOM 5 will weigh about 2,800 kg at launch, and will be fitted with 24 C-band and 14 Ku-band transponders. THAICOM 5 will provide telecom and television services throughout the Asia-Pacific from its orbital position at 78.5 degrees east. It will eventually replace the THAICOM 1 and 2 satellites.

Shin Satellite Public Company Limited, formerly Shinawatra Satellite, is the leading satellite communications company in Thailand. It deploys a fleet of satellites that provide an array of telecom services for Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East and a large part of Europe.