Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) and Asia Satellite (News - Alert) Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat) have signed an agreement for the launch of two AsiaSat communications satellites by the Falcon 9 rocket from SpaceX (News - Alert). Under the terms of the agreement, the two AsiaSat satellites will be launched by SpaceX during the first half of 2014.

In a release, Elon Musk, SpaceX CEO,and Chief Technology Officer, said, "SpaceX is proud to be the choice of AsiaSat, a pioneer in advancing satellite communications in Asia. We are producing the most advanced launch vehicles in the world, and the international launch market has responded--commercial launches now represent over 60 percent of our upcoming missions."

SpaceX is expecting to launch the AsiaSat 6 and AsiaSat 8 satellites from its launch complex located at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, USA within the first half of 2014.

While AsiaSat 6 satellite will feature 28 high-powered C-band transponders, AsiaSat 8 will feature 24 Ku-band transponders in addition to a Ka-band beam. Inclusion of the high-powered transponders for the satellites will allow the use of ground-based small antennas.  Regions which the two SS/L 1300 satellites are expected to serve include Asia, the Middle East, and Australasia.

William Wade, President and Chief Executive Officer of AsiaSat, said, "We are pleased to have SpaceX as our launch partner for the two upcoming missions. We look forward to the timely and successful launches of AsiaSat 6 and AsiaSat 8, thereby expanding our fleet from four to six satellites in 2014 to provide more high quality and comprehensive satellite services in the Asia-Pacific region.”