SupremeSAT-2 satellite to be launched soon

By Shirajiv Sirimane

The message from President Mahinda Rajapaksa for the first launch was.... "I share the pride and joy of all Sri Lankans as we move to the realm of space, as the rocket launched today, taking the Supreme SAT-1 satellite into orbit, carries our National Flag into the new frontier of space," "This is a major beginning for Sri Lanka to benefit from Space Technology in communications, and give the country a strong position in satellite and space industry in the South Asian Region."

Sri Lanka's ambitious plans to enter the space race along with the developed nations received another boost when SupremeSAT, a Lankan owned private company inked a $ 215 'In Orbit Delivery Contract' to build Lanka's own 'SupremeSAT-2 Satellite.

This would be the first privately owned satellite and the sixth communication satellite, in the region.

This historic venture was initiated by SupremeSAT Chairman, R.M. Manivannan.

"This would make every Sri Lanka's dream to see a Sri Lankan in outer space this decade.

The $ 215 million contract was signed with China Great Wall Industry Corporation offering the design, manufacture and launching tasks of 'SupremeSAT-2' to that company."It was a great pleasure to have had Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Chinese President witnessing the signing of the contract. As a private company, today we have contributed to the bilateral relationship between our two countries.

He said that 'SupremeSAT-2' satellite would be launched by mid 2016. This is the launch target for 'SupremeSAT-2'. By then SupremeSAT will be a regionally strong satellite company which would have proved to the world that Sri Lanka is capable of creating world class industries and corporate entities which will contribute immensely to the growth and success of the globe as a whole. "Our continued journey should generate positivity and confidence within the Sri Lankan private sector so that many new Sri Lankan businesses will emerge and write similar success stories in many other industries and areas which were once believed to be exclusive to the West or larger nations''.

"A private company investing such large amounts is a unique feature", he said. However, it was sad to see the first project being critisised by the Opposition and sections of the media.

'SupremeSAT-1' which was launched on November 27, 2012, was a joint effort by us and Chinasatcom. It was a jointly-owned satellite and was launched successfully by the 'Long March' launch vehicle in Xi-Chang, China.

This satellite successfully completed its 'In Orbit Tests' and has been positioned in its desired 'orbital slot' - 87.5 degrees east.'SupremeSAT-1' was our first step. It was a pride to witness the Sri Lankan Lion Flag reaching space in the launch rocket, a task which looked impossible some time ago.

During the November launch, not everyone in Sri Lanka was aware of our operations and there was speculation that the Government was investing in the our project.

But now everyone knows that this is not the case. They are aware that we do not have any privileges offered by the Government. They know this is a private company making a unique business initiative on a large scale. Hence, I am sure, they too will now support our project wholeheartedly.

"As I have always maintained, no patriotic Sri Lankan will oppose a private company taking such a daring step and investing such a huge amount into Sri Lanka.

Our entry has created a whole new industry in Sri Lanka and has taken the country to the space age. The business is growing steadily and the presence of the Chinese President demonstrates the credentials of our efforts." In a bid to give employment to Sri Lankans in the space industry, a Kandy (Pallekele) Teleport centre was set up last year.

The Kandy teleport will not only be used for commercial purposes but will also act as a 'Space Academy' for Sri Lankan youth creating quality high technology employment and knowledge transfer.

The teleport project is of paramount importance in our journey. I am happy to say that the teleport project is moving positively too. We secured the licence for the facility from the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) on May 10, 2013. Now that the licence is issued, we are fast-tracking the equipment importation.

The target is to commence teleport operations on or before end June by utilising a containerised office type of a set-up considering the fact that 'SupremeSAT-1' will start to beam by the first week of July.

"Our long-term aim is not only for commercial benefit. But also to secure the necessary technology transfer so that we gain control over our satellite fleet's operations."

Asked if Rohitha Rajapaksa played role in the technical aspect this time too, he replied in the affirmative.

"Rohitha Rajapaksa is the Chief Technical Director of SupremeSAT and he played a huge role in the initial design process. He is one of the finest satellite engineers I have seen and I am sure he will be finalise the technical design of 'SupremeSAT-2' in the coming months."