satellite

Satellite operator Eutelsat Communications’ advanced high-throughput EUTELSAT 65 West A satellite is ready to be launched on 9 March.

The satellite, weighing 6.5t, will be lifted off from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, aboard an Ariane 5 rocket.

Following its delivery to the launch site, EUTELSAT 65 West A underwent initial pre-launch processing that involved a fit-check with an adapter, which will serve as its interface with Ariane 5.

Manufactured by Space Systems Loral (SSL), EUTELSAT 65 West A is a tri-band satellite designed to provide DTH services across Latin America.

Equipped with Ku-band payload, the satellite will facilitate the DTH reception of digital and HD channels throughout Brazil and provide corporate connectivity in Central America, the Caribbean and the Andean region.

"The satellite, weighing 6.5t, will be lifted off from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, aboard an Ariane 5 rocket."

The satellite will also feature a transatlantic C-band and a multi-spotbeam Ka-band payload for cross-continental video contribution and distribution coverage, as well as provide broadband access across Latin America, especially Brazil.

To be positioned at 65° west, EUTELSAT 65 West A is expected to reach its geostationary orbit ahead of this year’s Rio de Janeiro Olympics in Brazil.

The launch will be this year’s second Ariane 5 mission, which completed its basic build-up in January.

During the initial launcher assembly of Ariane 5, the upper composite that consists of its cryogenic upper stage and equipment bay, was installed atop the workhorse vehicle’s pre-assembled components, including the core cryogenic stage and two solid propellant boosters.

Arianespace expects to launch up to eight missions this year.

Image: EUTELSAT 65 West A being shipped to Félix Eboué Airport. Photo: courtesy of Arianespace.