Thailand-based start-up satellite operator mu Space Corp signed a launch contract with prospective launch provider Blue Origin at the SATELLITE 2018 conference, which took place in Washington D.C. in March. Under the contract, a New Glenn rocket will place a geostationary satellite for mu Space into orbit. The launch is scheduled for late 2020 or early 2021. mu Space CEO James Yenbamroong said: “mu Space is opening a new era for satellite communications and space technology for Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region.”
mu Space is a satellite and space technology start-up founded in 2017. The company develops satellite communication technologies to accelerate the adoption of Internet of Things devices and smart cities.
Note: This order was really a confirmation of a launch booking made in September 2017.
Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos holds his rocket along with mu-space leader James Yenbamroong Courtesy: mu-Space
Also at SATELLITE 2018, the major regional Japanese satellite operator, SKY Perfect JSAT, signed an agreement with Blue Origin for the future use of its New Glenn launch vehicle to ensure schedule flexibility. This deal, like the initial Blue Origin launch contract made with Eutelsat at the SATELLITE 2017 conference, involves an initial launch that will take place after 2020. The payload has not yet been disclosed.
Corporate logo of Sky Perfect JSAT Corp.
This article was co-written by Matt Wilson in Washington D.C. and David Todd in London.
