The Leonids are a group of very small particles (rocks) called meteoroids that come from Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. This comet has an orbit around the sun of approximately 33 years. When the comet orbits near the sun, portions melt off causing a trail of very small meteoroids. The meteoroids weigh approximately 1 millionth of a gram - their diameter is less than a human hair. The earth's orbit intersects Comet Tempel-Tuttle's orbit every year. However, every 33 years, a major event occurs called the Leonid Meteor Storm. During this "storm," the number of major meteoroids per hour increases significantly when compared to other years.

Although this event has raised concerns among satellite operators and users, the possibility of meteoroids causing damage to a satellite is extremely low. No satellite problems were reported during the last Leonid Meteor Storm.

Thaicom has been following this issue very closely, especially with regard to the possible effects on the Thaicom fleet. We will be taking care of this issue by taking every appropriate step to ensure maximum availability of Thaicom satellites whenever the event occurs