| Paksat-MM1 | |
| Names List: | AsiaSat 4 Paksat-MM1 |
| Mission Type: | Communications |
| Operator: | AsiaSat (2003–2017) PAKSAT (2018–2023) |
| Cospar Id: | 2003-014A |
| Satcat: | 27718 |
| Website: | https://www.asiasat.com |
| Mission Duration: | 15 years (planned) |
| Spacecraft: | AsiaSat 4 |
| Spacecraft Type: | Boeing 601 |
| Spacecraft Bus: | HS-601HP |
| Manufacturer: | Hughes Space and Communications |
| Dimensions: | 3.4 m x 3.5 m x 5.8 m Span: 26.2 m on orbit |
| Power: | 9.6 kW |
| Launch Date: | 12 April 2003, 00:47:01 UTC |
| Launch Rocket: | Atlas 3B SEC (AC-205) |
| Launch Site: | Cape Canaveral, SLC-36B |
| Launch Contractor: | Lockheed Martin |
| Entered Service: | June 2003 |
| Orbit Reference: | Geocentric orbit |
| Orbit Regime: | Geostationary orbit |
| Orbit Longitude: | 122° East (2003–2017) 38° East (2018–present) |
| Apsis: | gee |
| Trans Band: | 48 transponders: 28 C-band 20 Ku-band |
| Trans Coverage: | Asia, Pacific Ocean |
| Programme: | AsiaSat constellation |
| Previous Mission: | AsiaSat 3S |
| Next Mission: | AsiaSat 5 |
| Programme2: | Paksat constellation |
| Previous Mission2: | Paksat-1R |
| Next Mission2: | Paksat-MM1R |
Paksat-MM1 (formerly known as AsiaSat 4) was a leased communications satellite operated by SUPARCO, Pakistan's space agency. It was provided by Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company (AsiaSat), a Hong Kong–based satellite operator.[1]
Initially stationed at 122° East longitude, Paksat-MM1 was later relocated to 38.2° East to better serve Pakistan and the surrounding region. During most of its operational life at 122° East, it provided fixed satellite services, including broadcasting, audio, and data transmission, to Asia and the Pacific Ocean.[2]
AsiaSat 4 was built by Hughes Space and Communications, for US$220 million, which by the time of its launch had become part of Boeing Satellite Systems. It is based on the HS-601HP satellite bus. At launch, it had a mass of,[2] and a design life of fifteen years. It carries twenty eight C-band and twenty Ku-band transponders.[2] It was planned for late 1999, but was delayed because of the Asian crisis. Construction started in September 2000.[3]
AsiaSat 4 was launched by an Atlas 3B SEC launch vehicle with the Centaur upper stage from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (SLC-36B) at 00:47:01 UTC on 12 April 2003.[4]
AsiaSat 4 was insured for launch and first year in orbit. The AsiaSat 4 was replaced by AsiaSat 9 in 2017.[5]
In February 2018 it was leased by PakSat International, a subsidiary of SUPARCO (Pakistan's space agency), from the Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company (AsiaSat) . Previously positioned at 122° East longitude, it was relocated to 38.2° East to serve Pakistan's needs. Paksat renamed it Paksat-MM1 (Paksat-Multi Mission 1) and began operations in March 2018.
After the lease expired, the satellite was returned to China and relocated to 147.5° East. As of 29 August 2024 (according to flysat.com), it is no longer operational and has been replaced by PakSat-MM1R, a new satellite launched on 30 May 2024.[6]