| Operator | 1worldspace |
|---|---|
| Major contractors | Alcatel Space Matra Marconi Space Arianespace (LSP) |
| Bus | Eurostar E2000+ |
| Mission type | Communication |
| Launch date | 21 March 2000 |
| Carrier rocket | Ariane 5G |
| Launch site | Guiana Space Centre ELA-3 |
| Mission duration | 12 years |
| COSPAR ID | 2000-016A |
| Mass | 2,750 kilograms (6,100 lb) |
| Orbital elements | |
| Regime | Geostationary |
| Longitude | 105° East |
AsiaStar is an American communications satellite which is operated by 1worldspace. It was constructed by Alcatel Space and Matra Marconi Space based on the Eurostar E2000+ bus design. Launch occurred on 21 March 2000, at 23:28 GMT. The launch was contracted by Arianespace, and used an Ariane 5G carrier rocket flying from ELA-3 at the Guiana Space Centre. The INSAT-3B satellite was launched on the same rocket.
Following its launch and on-orbit testing, it was placed in geostationary orbit at 105° East, from where it provides mobile communications services to Asia. It carries three transponders, and has an expected on-orbit lifespan of 12 years.
On 31st December 2009, Worldspace ceased broadcasting on the Asiastar satellite in line with its bankruptcy issues, however as of 30th November 2010 two Free to Air (unencrypted) stations are still available, namely Sai Global Harmony and Radio France International
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