This is the first of a series of reports from the AsiaSat 9 Mission Team covering the major milestones of the construction process and eventually the launch of AsiaSat 9.

AsiaSat 9’s main body – the central cylinder passed all critical structural testing this month. Next step: preparation for propulsion subsystem integration.

The central cylinder is the most crticial mechanical structure of the spacecraft because it load-supports the spacecraft during launch. It is also where the fuel tanks of the propulsion subsystem are mounted .

AsiaSat 9 is a replacement satellite for AsiaSat 4 at 122°E. It will carry 28 C-band and 32 Ku-band transponders, and a Ka-band payload. AsiaSat 9 is planned for launch in late 2016 or early 2017.