"SpaceX Launches AsiaSat AsiaSat 6 and 8 in 2014"

Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), and Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat) announced an agreement to launch two communications satellites ASIASAT using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket in 2014.
"SpaceX is proud to be the choice AsiaSat, a pioneer in advancing satellite communications in Asia," said Elon Musk, SpaceX CEO and Chief Technology Officer. "We produce the most advanced launch vehicles in the world, and has responded to the international launch market - commercial launch is now showing more than 60 percent of our mission to come." "We are delighted to choose SpaceX as our launch partner for the two missions to come. We look forward to the timely and successful launch, AsiaSat AsiaSat 6 and 8, thereby expanding our fleet from four to six satellites in 2014 to provide higher quality and comprehensive satellite services in the Asia-Pacific region, "said William Wade, President and chief Executive Officer of AsiaSat. AsiaSat AsiaSat 6 and 8 are scheduled to begin mid-year launch in early 2014 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, United States. AsiaSat 6 will have 28 high-power C-band transponders while AsiaSat 8 will have 24 Ku-band transponders and Ka-band beam. High Power transponders on this satellite will allow the use of smaller antennas. Two SS / L 1300 satellites will serve Asia, Middle East and Australasia.