Boeing revises proposal for Measat 3 The Star (Malaysia) 10/08/02
(no talk of fighter deals... Jeff Vayda)
THE Boeing Co has submitted to Binariang Satellite Systems Sdn Bhd a revised proposal for the manufacture and launch
of Measat 3, a larger satellite than the Measat 1 and 2.
We have a 50:50 chance (of winning the contract) we are the incumbent and the customer (Binariang Satellite) has been
happy with what we had done for Measat 1 and 2. They know we can work together with them, Boeings vice-president
for international relations and regional vice-president, South-East Asia, Paul T. Walters, told Star Business.
Our proposal is for delivery and order with an option for a sea launch. The industry is hungry (for contracts) and everyone
is competing for the launch business. We are sure Malaysia will get a good deal, he added.
For Measat 1 and 2, Hughes Space and Communications was the satellite manufacturer while Arianespace was the
launch operator. Hughes has since been bought by Boeing.
The advantage of a sea launch is that it offers value and cost-efficiencies. Boeing is a 40% partner in a joint venture Sea
Launch which has a launch platform in the Pacific Ocean along the equator. The first commercial launch was made in
October 1999 and thus far the success rate for sea launches has been good.
Although Boeing has been short-listed for the manufacture of Measat-3 and is prepared to provide launch facilities as
well, it faces keen competition from other companies said to include Frances Alcatel and Astrium and US-based Loral
Space.
Much larger that Measat 1 and 2, the proposed Measat 3 is expected to have about 48 transponders, 50:50 Ku and C-band
transponders and a life span of 15 years.
And it is expected to cost about US$200mil ($130 mill per bloomberg ) and would have footprints covering Asia, Hawaii and Eastern Australia while
the C-band transponders would provide global coverage.
It was reported earlier that Binariang Satellite had tapped the bond market, raising about RM1.2bil to refinance its loans
for Measat 1 and 2 and to finance Measat 3.
According to Walters, vendor financing is part of the deal, but he feels that Binariang Satellite would have no problems
raising funds from the global markets.
This is a bigger satellite and it will take Binariang Satellite from a regional space company to an international company.
With more capacity, Binariang Satellite would also be able to reach more markets, he added. |
