Eutelsat Communications Launches Broadcast Satellite

Eutelsat Communications has successfully launched EUTELSAT 7C. The satellite was lifted into space from Kourou, French Guiana by an Ariane 5 rocket at 23h43 CET (21h43 UTC).

Manufactured by Maxar Technologies, EUTELSAT 7C is a 3.4 tonne high-power broadcast satellite which will serve markets across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Turkey, through 49 36-Mhz equivalent Ku-band transponders. The satellite will be co-located with EUTELSAT 7B at 7° East, increasing capacity for this dynamic neighbourhood by 19 transponders. It is due to enter into commercial service at the end of this year.

Currently co-located with EUTELSAT 7B, EUTELSAT 7A will be transferred to another orbital location as part of Eutelsat’s fleet optimisation strategy.

Rodolphe Belmer, Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat, said: "EUTELSAT 7C will allow us to further develop our 7° East video neighbourhood, with two co-located high-power satellites providing the best possible support to customers in this vibrant market. We are delighted to have benefitted from Maxar’s state-of-the-art technology and to celebrate yet another successful launch with Arianespace."