ABS-3A

ABS-3A is a communications satellite that is operated by Asia Broadcast Satellite, providing coverage in the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa, as well as globally for TV distribution, cellular services, and maritime services. The satellite is the first commercial communications satellite in orbit to use electric propulsion, providing a significant weight savings.

Manufacture and specifications

The satellite was designed and manufactured by Boeing, and is a Boeing 702SP model communication satellite. It will be located at 3 degrees West longitude. It was launched on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on 2 March 2015 (UTC time).

The satellite is propelled solely by electrically powered spacecraft propulsion, with the on-board thrusters used for both geostationary orbit insertion and station keeping.

The satellite is based on the Boeing 702 satellite bus, and was launched along with Eutelsat 115 West B, which is based on the same bus. The satellite had a launch mass of 4,307 pounds (1,954 kg).