Overhorizon’s first communication satellite, OHO-1 will use an Ariane 5 vehicle for its launch as per a new contract.

The 3,200kg satellite, based on the Star 2.3 platform, will be fitted with a Ku-band regenerative payload for two-way broadband communications with small terminals.

OHO-1 has a design life of 15 years and will be jointly built by Orbital Sciences and Thales Alenia Space.

An Ariane 5 laucher will place the spacecraft into geostationary transfer orbit in mid-2012, lifting off from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana.