French-based satellite communications company Eutelsat has successfully launched its 21B satellite into orbit, replacing the 21A at the 21.5° East location. According to the company, Eutelsat 21B will be ready for commercial operations by the middle of December while the 21A will be moved to serve a different location.
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| Photo source Space Fellowship |
The new satellite, which was built by Thales Alenia Space took off via an Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana last Saturday evening. Eutelsat 21B carried 40 Ku-band transponders which will deliver wide-beam coverage across North Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. It will also provide high-power beam for all the regions excluding Europe.
According to Thales Alenia Space, the new satellite was designed to carry 50 percent more capacity than Eutelsat 21A. According to Eutelsat Chief Executive Michel de Rosen, the 21B vessel is part of the company’s expansion plan aimed at increasing commercial flexibility and overall resources. The new satellite is also the first of seven that will be launched by the satellite company by mid-2015.
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