Thales Alenia Space and RASCOMSTAR-QAF decided the RASCOM-QAF1 satellite be placed in its final geostationary orbit at 2.85° E. This final injection has been made possible due to the LEOP (Launch and Early Orbit Phase) procedure established by Thales Alenia Space being based on the best possible use of the remaining helium pressurant. This is a 4-week process that is initiated by an apogee boost followed by the main apogee boost motor and 18 additional apogee maneuvers, all completed by smaller thrusters. This LEOP strategy requires exacting technical control from the Thales Alenia Space team. The satellite’s lifetime is subject to further refinement but is expected to be slightly more than 2 years.
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