Arianespace has been selected by European satellite operator Avanti Communications Group to launch its Highly Flexible satellite on Ariane-5 or a Soyuz rocket.

The Ka-band, 2,750kg satellite has been built by a consortium of EADS Astrium and Indian Space Research Organisation using an ISRO I-2K platform.

The superfast broadband satellite has a 15-year design life and will offer coverage across Europe.

The satellite is expected to lift-off in the first semester of 2010 on an Ariane 5 or a Soyuz launcher from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.