News

Subject:      Thailand solicits spysat proposals
From:         thomsona@netcom.com (Allen Thomson)
Date:         1996/03/16
Message-Id:   <thomsonaDoDA5C.C17@netcom.com>
Newsgroups:   sci.space.policy,alt.politics.org.cia

   My, it seems as if everybody who's anybody is getting into the 
spysat biz.  While I'd suppose the system in question is a 
photoreconnaissance satellite, the article isn't totally clear on the 
point, so a SIGINT platform is perhaps also a possibility.  If anyone here 
has more information on this project that they can post, please do so.


       BANGKOK, March 10 1996 (Reuter)
       By Sutin Wannabovorn
       [EXCERPTS]
      Thailand's military plans to open bidding for a $1.04 billion 
   spy and communications satellite system but some politicians 
   have expressed concern over its high cost and suitability. 
       A feasibility study into the country's proposed first 
   military communications and intelligence gathering two-satellite 
   system -- Star of Siam -- has been completed, military sources 
   said over the weekend. 
       Although the project is still awaiting government approval, 
   a military panel has decided to seek proposals for the ambitious 
   project from interested companies, the panel's head, Air Marshal 
   Veera Kanhasiri, told Reuters.  "The panel has agreed to send 
   the letters to the embassies of interested countries to 
   submit their proposals and bids,"  Veera said. "We hope that 
   the first satellite would be launched in the year of 2000." 
       It will comprise two satellites, two master controls and a 
   series of fixed and mobile ground terminals capable of covering 
   more than one-third of the earth's surface, according to 
   military sources.  Thailand's communications and surveillance 
   capability in its border regions as well as in Southeast Asia 
   would be enhanced substantially by the system. 
       The company reported to have conducted the feasibility study 
   for the project, Matra Marconi Space (UK) Ltd, a joint venture 
   of Lagardere Groupe and GEC Plc, as well as British Aerospace 
   Defence Ltd and the British Defence Ministry were all interested, 
   military sources said.  Firms from several other countries, 
   including China, Israel, the United States and France, have 
   expressed interest, they added.