Mexico Targets 2014 Launch for Satmex 7 Satellite EFE
go to original March 15, 2012

The Falcon 9, a private rocket developed by SpaceX. (EFE/File)

MEXICO CITY - Contracts have been signed with U.S.-based Boeing Satellite Systems International and Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, for the construction, launch and insertion into orbit of the $350 million Satmex 7 satellite, Satelites Mexicanos, or Satmex, said.

Satmex 7 is expected to be launched in late 2014 or early 2015 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, Satmex said.

"We are very pleased to partner with both, Boeing and SpaceX, on these agreements, which provides Satmex with the flexibility to grow our satellite fleet," Satmex CEO Patricio Northland said in a statement.

The Satmex 7 deal is part of the agreement with Asia Broadcast Satellite, or ABS, covering the manufacturing and delivery "of four firm and four optional satellites all at firm fixed prices," Satmex said.

"Satmex 7 is a hybrid satellite with both C- and Ku-band capacity, serving all of Satmex's Latin America customers. The satellite will provide new expansion capacity that will be a catalyst for Satmex's growth plans over the next decade," the company said.

The satellites' purchase and delivery will be governed by the Master Procurement Agreement among Boeing, ABS and Satmex, "and will be subject to separate satellite procurement agreements between Boeing and each of Satmex and ABS," the company said.

"Satmex is positioned for a new era of growth with the anticipated launches of Satmex 8 in 2012, and with Satmex 7, our first satellite in the Boeing 702SP program, in late 2014 or early 2015. The addition of Satmex 7 will expand our fleet to three satellites covering the Americas," the company said.

Satmex provides broadband, video, audio and data services to more than 46 countries in the Americas.

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