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Space Systems Loral (SSL) has delivered Embratel Star One’s Star One C4 satellite to the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, for launch aboard an Ariane 5 vehicle.

Planned for launch at 70° W longitude, the Star One C4 satellite will transmit signals of major TV stations in Brazil, and will have 22 to 25 million parabolic antennas pointed in its direction.

The satellite will feature 48 transponders, including signal receivers and transmitters in Ku-Band. The frequency band will increase the current capacity of the orbital position by threefold.

SSL president John Celli said: "Embratel Star One and SSL share a commitment to improving Latin America’s communications infrastructure and providing exceptional service.

"Star One C4, which is an advanced and powerful satellite, also has special significance to SSL as our 50th mission with Arianespace."

Built on the SSL 1300 platform, Star One C4 is designed to provide services for 15 years or more.

"Star One C4, which is an advanced and powerful satellite, also has special significance to SSL as our 50th mission with Arianespace."

SSL’s technology will supply a high level of power and the flexibility to facilitate various applications and technology advances.

Embratel Star One president Gustavo Silbert said: "The new satellite will reinforce our DTH services in Brazil while expanding access to other Latin American countries and to the mainland US."

Embratel Star One is a satellite operator in Latin America with a fleet of seven satellites, including four GEO satellites, Star One C1, C2, C3 and BRASILSAT B4 and two in inclined orbit BRASILSAT B2 and B3. The company owns a ground station in Guaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

C1, C2, C3 and C12 are part of the third-generation of satellites that support Brazil’s telephone, television, radio, data transmission and internet services.

Image: The Star One C4 satellite. Photo: courtesy of SSL.