mu Space Corp, a Thailand-based space and satellite company, has approved the release of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a manufacturer to build the company’s first satellite with coverage spanning across Asia-Pacific.
The high throughput satellite will be on a geostationary orbit (GEO) location at 50.5-degree East, an orbital slot secured on a recent agreement between mu Space and SES, the world’s leading satellite operator. It is expected to provide broadband and Internet of Things (IoT) service via satellite, and will have a lifespan of at least 15 years.
Samathorn Teankingkaeo, Chief Technical Officer of mu Space, said: “This RFP and the resulting contracts demonstrate mu Space’s capability to proceed with our plan of launching a satellite.”
According to mu Space’s plan, the company will launch its own satellite in the early 2020s aboard New Glenn, a space vehicle of US-based aerospace manufacturer Blue Origin.
“We’re searching a technology partner who is flexible and adaptable with our design ideas and long-term business goals. We’ll look at all sorts of proposals from bidders, and we’ll consider everything to make sure we award this project to the right satellite manufacturer,” he added.
