The European Space Agency (ESA) has been urged by the continent's satellite manufacturers, Astrium and Alcatel Space, to launch an initiative to support the development of a series of large, high power, high capacity spacecraft buses. The spacecraft are required to serve the growing market for multimedia satellite services, manufacturers believe.
The spacecraft may have to carry up to 250 transponders and supporting equipment and, as a result, could weigh up to 9,500kg (20,925lb) at launch. A demonstration satellite could be launched in 2004.
Currently, the largest civil communications satellites weigh about 6,000kg but these are still in the minority. Future launchers under development will be able to carry 9,500kg payloads.
Source: Flight International