Rendering of mu Space’s new geostationary satellite. Credit: mu Space Corp.

Thailand-based space and satellite firm mu Space has approved the release of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a manufacturer to build the company’s first satellite covering Asia-Pacific.

Once launched, the high throughput satellite will provide services for the region from 50.5° East geostationary orbit (GEO) position.

With an operational life of around 15 years, the satellite will provide broadband and Internet of Things (IoT) services.

mu Space chief technical officer Samathorn Teankingkaeo said: “This RFP and the resulting contracts demonstrate mu Space’s capability to proceed with our plan of launching a satellite.

“We’re searching a technology partner who is flexible and adaptable with our design ideas and long-term business goals.

“This RFP and the resulting contracts demonstrate mu Space’s capability to proceed with our plan of launching a satellite.”

“We’ll look at all sorts of proposals from bidders, and we’ll consider everything to make sure we award this project to the right satellite manufacturer.”

mu Space expects to launch its new satellite in the early 2020s onboard Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket. This is part of an agreement signed between the companies in March.

In the same month, mu Space also signed a deal with satellite operator SES and Hughes Networks Systems to secure an orbital slot.

Under the deal, mu Space will use SES’s satellite capacity and Hughes’ JUPITER System to provide reliable satellite-based broadband services across rural Thailand.

According to recent data published by Thailand’s telecom industry, only 12% of the country’s 69 million people has access to broadband connectivity.