Spanish satellite operator Hispasat has selected Space Systems Loral to build a new multi-mission satellite to serve Europe and the Americas.
The satellite, Hispasat 1F, is to be based on SSL’s 1300 platform and will contain 48 Ku-, one C- and seven…
Spanish satellite operator Hispasat has selected Space Systems Loral to build a new multi-mission satellite to serve Europe and the Americas.
The satellite, Hispasat 1F, is to be based on SSL’s 1300 platform and will contain 48 Ku-, one C- and seven Ka-band transponders.
The spacecraft is to be located at 30W and is due to be launched in 2016. A Hispasat spokeswoman said that a decision had not yet been made on the launch provider.
She added that the company is currently working on the funding for the satellite, including potential export credit support, but no agreements have been signed.
Hispasat 1F will serve as a replacement for Hispasat 1D, while also giving the group additional Ku-band capacity in the Andean region and Brazil.
The Ku-band transponders are to serve three coverage areas: Europe and North Africa, the Americas, and South America (especially Brazil). The C-band transponder will also cover Brazil.
Six of the Ka-band transponders will expand Hispasat’s broadband service offer in Southern Europe and Northern Africa. An additional Ka BSS band beam will cover the Iberian Peninsula.
Hispasat 1F is the third Hispasat satellite to be built by SSL. Carlos Espinós, CEO of Hispasat, said “SSL benefits from Spanish built components on nearly all of its satellites”.
Last month, Hispasat chairwoman Elena Pisonero told reporters in Brazil that the company planned to order a new Ku- and Ka-band satellite, Amazonas-5a, to serve South America.
She said it would be co-located with Amazonas-3 at 61W and be launched in 2016.
The Hispasat spokeswoman confirmed that the satellite operator will seek to place another satellite in that orbital position.
