Satellite operator Eutelsat and launch service provider Arianespace have signed a new contract for a satellite launch sometime in 2012, the 26th between the two companies.
The companies did not disclose which satellite would be placed into orbit and when…
Satellite operator Eutelsat and launch service provider Arianespace have signed a new contract for a satellite launch sometime in 2012, the 26th between the two companies.
The companies did not disclose which satellite would be placed into orbit and when exactly this would take place, only that it would be an Ariane 5 launch from the Guiana Space Centre.
The contract with Arianespace is part of Eutelsat’s inorbit expansion programme of six satellites to be launched by mid-2013. The satellite provider has contracted three manufacturers – Space Systems Loral, Thales Alenia Space, and EADS Astrium – as well as three launchers – Long March, Arianespace, and Sea Launch – for the six satellites. The aim is to ensure that Eutelsat’s projects move ahead in a timely manner.
The company’s next bird to be placed into orbit is expected to be W3C in July. Equipped with 56 transponders, it will be based on the Spacebus 4000 platform of Thales Alenia Space and launched by Long March. The satellite will be located at 16E.
Eutelsat’s latest bird, KA-SAT, was successfully placed into orbit at 9E at the end of December last year. The satellite’s payload was activated on January 8, allowing the company to start in-orbit tests. Eutelsat reportedly expects services to start at the end of May 2011.
In separate news, Croatian telecom operator T-HT will be using satellite capacity provide by Eutelsat on Sesat’s 16E orbital position to expend its MAXtv pay TV services across the whole of Croatia.
According to a statement, this 10-year contract for three satellite transponders will allow MAXtv to consolidate its position in the country’s digital TV market.
