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Thor 6 [Thales Alenia Space]
Telenor announced in April 2007 that it has signed a contract with Thales Alenia Space for the construction and delivery of a new geosynchronous (GEO) communications satellite. The new satellite, to be called Thor 6, will provide high power direct-to-home (DTH) television services from the 1 West orbital position.
Thor 6 will be based on Thales Alenia Space Spacebus-4000B2 platform and fitted with 36 active Ku-band transponders. 16 transponders will point to the Nordic countries, and 20 transponders will be positioned to serve the growing broadcasting demands within Central and Eastern Europe.
Thor 6 is the final satellite in Telenor Satellite Broadcasting's replacement programme for Thor 2 and Thor 3. Thor 6 will replace Thor 3, which is set to retire in 2010. The order calls for a 26 month in-orbit delivery schedule, and is expected to start services in summer 2009 with an operational lifetime of 15 years.
In September 2007, Intelsat contracted with Telenor to procure 10 Ku-band transponders on the Thor 6 satellite, which are operated at 0.8 West, providing capacity for Intelsats 1 West customers. This capacity is refered by the name Intelsat 1W.
| Nation: | Norway |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Communication |
| Operator: | Telenor → Space Norway |
| Contractors: | Thales Alenia Space |
| Equipment: | 36 active Ku-band transponders |
| Configuration: | Spacebus-4000B2 |
| Propulsion: | S400 |
| Power: | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
| Lifetime: | 15 years |
| Mass: | 3050 kg |
| Orbit: | GEO |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thor 6 (Intelsat 1W) | 2009-058B | 29.10.2009 | Ko ELA-3 | Ariane-5ECA | with NSS 12 |
Launch Sites:
- Ko = Centre Spatial Guyanais (CSG), Kourou, French Guiana, France
References:
- aerospace-technology.com: Thor 6
