SpaceX is set to launch the THAICOM 6 communications satellite on top of a Falcon 9 rocket on Monday (Jan. 6).
The THAICOM 6 launch window will open at approximately 5:06 p.m. EST (2206 GMT) from Space Launch Complex (SLC) 40 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, with additional opportunities Jan. 7-12.
If all proceeds as planned, the THAICOM 6 satellite will be deployed into its geosynchronous transfer orbit approximately 31 minutes after liftoff.
This hybrid Ku- and C-band spacecraft weighs 6,649 pounds (3,016 kg) at launch. This mission is the second Falcon 9 to launch into a geosynchronous transfer orbit, targeting a 295 by 90,000 km orbit at 22.5 degrees inclination.
THAICOM 6, a conventional satellite which will be co-located with THAICOM-5 at 78.5 degrees East ("Hot Bird" position), and carry Ku- and C-band payload.
The Ku-band payload will be comprised of 9 transponders (TPE) providing services to the Southeast Asia (mainland). The C-band payload will feature 24 C-band transponders (TPE) providing services via the satellite’s regional beam to Southeast Asia and Africa.
The satellite's launch will expand THAICOM's business by providing telecommunication and broadcast services to more of its customers in those areas and maintaining THAICOM's "hot bird" position in the region.