Press release -
EUTELSAT 7C completing final stages of pre-launch preparation
All-electric satellite due for launch before the end of June aboard an Ariane 5 rocket
Paris, Washington, 7 May, 2019 – A crucial stage has been completed in the production of Eutelsat Communications’ (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) high-power broadcast satellite, EUTELSAT 7C, serving markets across Africa, Europe, Middle East and Turkey.
Final preparation for launch
As part of the environmental testing completed in early February 2019, the all-electric EUTELSAT 7C, manufactured by Maxar Technologies (NYSE:MAXR) (TSX:MAXR), was subjected to conditions simulating the launch and harsh space environment in orbit. With the loading of the spacecraft tanks with Xenon propellant now finalised, the satellite is currently undergoing final preparation operations ahead of shipment to the Arianespace launch site in Kourou, French Guiana, where it is due to be launched as a co-passenger on an Ariane 5 rocket before the end of June.
Greater capacity for the African market
Equipped with 49 36-Mhz equivalent Ku-band transponders, EUTELSAT 7C will serve markets across Africa, Europe, Middle East and Turkey. It will be co-positioned with EUTELSAT 7B at 7° East, increasing capacity at this neighbourhood by 19 transponders for the dynamic market in Africa. EUTELSAT 7A will be transferred to another orbital location as part of Eutelsat’s ongoing fleet optimisation.
Yohann Leroy, Deputy CEO and Chief Technical Officer of Eutelsat, said: “I am delighted EUTELSAT 7C has completed all its major testing and is on track for its launch date before the end of June. I would like to
thank our partner, Maxar Technologies, and look forward to another successful launch with Arianespace.”
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About Eutelsat Communications
Founded in 1977, Eutelsat Communications is one of the world's leading satellite operators. With a global fleet of satellites and associated ground infrastructure, Eutelsat enables clients across Video, Data, Government, Fixed and Mobile Broadband markets to communicate effectively to their customers, irrespective of their location. Over 7,000 television channels operated by leading media groups are broadcast by Eutelsat to one billion viewers equipped for DTH reception or connected to terrestrial networks. Headquartered in Paris, with offices and teleports around the globe, Eutelsat assembles 1,000 men and women from 46 countries who are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of service.
Eutelsat Communications is listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ticker: ETL).
For more about Eutelsat go to www.eutelsat.com
Media enquiries | |||
Marie-Sophie Ecuer | Tel.: + 33 1 53 98 37 91 | mecuer@eutelsat.com | |
Jessica Whyte | Tel.: + 33 1 53 98 37 91 | jwhyte@eutelsat.com | |
Christina Darvasi | Tel.: + 52 55 2629 5847 | christina.darvasi@eutelsat.com | |
Investors | |||
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Alexandre Enjalbert | Tel.: +33 1 53 98 35 30 | aenjalbert@eutelsat.com |