Nascent Brazilian satellite operator Visiona Tecnologia Espacial has chosen Thales Alenia Space to construct its R$716m (US$389m) Ka-band satellite.
The decision comes following a lengthy selection process over the past twelve months which saw an RFI…
Nascent Brazilian satellite operator Visiona Tecnologia Espacial has chosen Thales Alenia Space to construct its R$716m (US$389m) Ka-band satellite.
The decision comes following a lengthy selection process over the past twelve months which saw an RFI initially sent to eight global satellite manufacturers. In May 2013, three vendors, Thales, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Melco) and Space Systems Loral (SSL) were selected for the final round.
As part of the decision process, Visiona stated that the vendors’ proposals were assessed on technical, operational and economic parameters as well as requirements over the transfer of certain technology, a stipulation of the Brazilian government.
Visiona also revealed that Arianespace has been selected to launch the satellite, which is expected to take place in the first half of 2016.
Formed in May 2012, Visiona is a joint venture between Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer (51%) and incumbent telco Telebras (49%). It was tasked by the Brazilian space agency AEB to manage and operate the country’s first Ka-band satellite, the core part of the agency’s Geostationary Satellite Defence and Strategic Communications programme.
The satellite, which will be located at 75W, will predominantly offer Ka-band services to support the government’s national broadband programme. In addition, a fifth of its capacity will be designated for military purposes in the X-band.
Last month, the Brazilian audit court (TCU) voted to investigate both the satellite procurement process and shareholder structure of Visiona. TCU president Augusto Nardes has authorised its bureau of privatisation and regulatory oversight for energy and communications (SefidEnergia) to examine the process.
