Satellites

Sri Lanka’s first Communications Satellite, SupremeSAT – I , was successfully launched on November 27, 2012  on board China’s Long March 3B/E Launch Vehicle from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre. In May 2013, SupremeSAT placed a USD 215M in-orbit delivery contract for the wholly-owned SupremeSAT – 2, with a planned launch date of early/mid 2018.

The launch of SupremeSAT-1 marked the beginning of new era for Sri Lanka and  will stand as a major milestone  in the development of the nation as a Knowledge hub, serving as a key link between the East and West.

The satellite was deployed at 87.5E in the Geo-stationary orbit approximately 36000 km above the surface of the earth and has a design life of 15 years. SupremeSAT – I was built by Thales Alenia Space of France. The design is based on the SB 4000 series satellite bus which comes under the medium class telecommunications satellite category with its launch mass of 5100kg. SB 4000 series has a successful flight heritage, and is a very stable and reliable space platform. SupremeSAT – I provides communications services, including broadband Internet, telecom and broadcasting and covers parts of the Middle East, South & Central Asia and also Australia.