Eutelsat has selected Airbus Defence and Space to build its previously announced Eutelsat-172B satellite that is to serve the Asia-Pacific region.
Based on the Eurostar E3000 platform, the satellite will use electric propulsion for both the initial…
Eutelsat has selected Airbus Defence and Space to build its previously announced Eutelsat-172B satellite that is to serve the Asia-Pacific region.
Based on the Eurostar E3000 platform, the satellite will use electric propulsion for both the initial in-orbit raising and all station-keeping manoeuvres.
The announcement comes less than a month after Airbus sold a similar all-electric high throughput satellite to SES. That spacecraft is also intended to serve the fast-growing Asian market.
Eutelsat said it has contracted Arianespace to launch Eutelsat-172B in the first half of 2017, with in-orbit raising expected to take approximately four months.
The reduction in mass of the satellite due to its electric propulsion, it will weigh 3.5 tonnes, means it can be launched in the Ariane 5’s lower position, reducing the launch cost.
As the Paris-based satellite operator previously announced, Eutelsat-172B is a triple mission spacecraft. It will contain a regular Ku-band payload of 36 transponders that will more than double capacity at 172E, where Eutelsat-172A is currently located.
There will also be a C-band payload of 14 physical transponders designed to tap into new growth markets in South East Asia.
Thirdly, there is a high throughput Ku-band payload specifically designed for in-flight broadband. California’s Panasonic Avionics Corporation has purchased the entirety of this payload, which features multiple user spots optimised to serve densely-used Asian and trans-Pacific flight paths.
Commenting on the announcement, Michel de Rosen, Eutelsat chairman and CEO, said: “With the allocation of the contracts to manufacture and launch Eutelsat-172B awarded to Airbus Defence and Space and Arianespace, we are placing our trust once again in two industry leaders who understand our rigour and high expectations.
“Through a combination of three distinct payloads, electric propulsion and dynamic power distribution, Eutelsat-172B B reflects our commitment to innovations that benefit our customers and raises the game for the satellite business.”
Eric Béranger, head of Space Systems programmes at Airbus D&S, added: “We are the first in Europe, and even the first in the world, to demonstrate electric propulsion for satellites of this size.
“Our expertise paves the way for launching powerful and complex satellites in the most cost efficient manner.”
Satmex buy contributes to robust results
Eutelsat reported its full year 2013-2014 results, recording a 5% increase in revenues to €1.348bn (US$1.804bn) and a 3.8% rise in EBITDA to €1.033bn (US$1.38bn), giving it a margin of 76.7%.
These figures include six months of Satmex operations, as the acquisition of the Mexican satellite operator was closed on 1 January 2014.
Net debt was up substantially though, an increase of 42.8% to €3.779bn (US$5.057bn). This is due to the €930m (US$1.276bn) of senior unsecured notes that Eutelsat raised in December 2013 to fund its acquisition of Satmex.
Michel de Rosen commented, “Eutelsat’s full year results were in line with objectives, with revenue growth above 2.5% and an EBITDA margin at a high level of 76.7%. The integration of Satmex is being executed smoothly with its financial contribution fulfilling our expectations.
“Our backlog stands at an all-time high of €6.4 billion, confirming the long term positive dynamics in our existing and new markets.
“Additional capacity coming on stream will allow us to accelerate top line growth in the coming three years. This growth will be principally driven by video and selected opportunities in broadband and mobility in fast growing markets, notably in Latin America and in Asia Pacific. We are committed to our high level of profitability, and will remain selective on capital expenditure that supports our development.”
