International Launch Services (ILS) has launched the new Amazonas 5 communications satellite into space from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Launched onboard an ILSProton Breeze M rocket, the satellite will be operated by Spain's Hispasat.

Prior to the launch, ILS noted that the Proton rocket would deploy Amazonas 5 into a geostationary orbit of a 35,286km altitude.

The satellite will be placed in its orbital slot of 61° West after completing necessary tests to ensure smooth functioning of the spacecraft.

"Once operational, Amazonas 5 is expected to remain in service for 15 years."

Manufactured by Space Systems Loral, Amazonas 5 weighs 705,000kg, which includes a 58.2m payload. At separation, the spacecraft is expected to weigh 5,900kg.

Hispasat’s Brazilian company Hispamar will be responsible for operating the satellite, which is equipped with a high-throughput Ka-band spot beam and a Ku-band beam payload.

The Ka-band spot beam payload features 34 Ka-band spot beams, which will be used to provide broadband services, cellular backhaul and corporate networks in South America, Central America and Mexico.

The Ku-band beam includes 24 transponders for broadcasting satellite services for direct-to-home television (DTH), television distribution and other telecommunications services in South America and Central America.

Once operational, Amazonas 5 is expected to remain in service for 15 years.

Through its subsidiaries, Hispasat currently provides various telecommunication services in Spain and Latin America.