Italian space systems services firm Telespazio has forged an MoU to collaborate with Argentinian state-owned satellite operator Arsat as it strengthens its foothold in Latin America.
The two companies are considering sharing their existing terrestrial…
Italian space systems services firm Telespazio has forged an MoU to collaborate with Argentinian state-owned satellite operator Arsat as it strengthens its foothold in Latin America.
The two companies are considering sharing their existing terrestrial infrastructure in Argentina as well as developing joint space programmes.
“In particular, Arsat and Telespazio will work together to develop activities in launch support and space operations, telecommunications services, broadcasting, and satellite navigation,” stated Telespazio, a joint venture 67% owned by Italian defence group Finmeccanica with French manufacturer Thales holding the rest.
Telespazio has had a presence in Argentina for roughly 20 years, supplying satellite services for Earth observation and telecoms. In Buenos Aires – where the group’s Argentinian subsidiary is based – it operates a teleport, a data centre and a facility for cartographic production. The Rome-based group also has a subsidiary in Brazil and is keen to expand further in South America.
Arsat was formed in 2006, but a series of delays have pushed the launch of its first domestically-built satellite to Q2 2014.
After the launch of Arsat-1, Argentinian manufacturer INVAP has pledged to supply two further spacecraft, Arsat-2 and Arsat-3, to bolster its Ku and C band coverage from 72W and 81W. France’s Astrium and Thales are its leading equipment suppliers, and Arianespace has been lined up as launch provider.
The Argentinian operator received a US$50m loan earlier this year from the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) towards the cost of its geostationary satellites.
Arsat-1 is expected to cost around US$270m, with the state contributing US$54m and the rest set to come via loans from CAF and the Inter-American Development Bank.
