Bringing the latest in satellite technology across the globe.
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Eutelsat 3D satellite preparing for launch on May
The 3D satellite of Eutelsat Communication is now in its final stage for the scheduled launch aboard an ILS Proton Breeze M rocket, which will blast off at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Built by Thales Alenia Space using the company’s Spacebus 4000 platform, Eutelsat 3D satellite weighs 5.4 tons and is designed to operate in orbit for a span of 15 years,
The satellite will be initially located at three degrees east orbital position to address high-growth video, data, telecom and broadband markets. Eutelsat’s new satellite will be able to serve customers in Europe, Central Asia, North Africa and the Middle East via the configuration of Ku and Ka transponders connected to three footprints. Meanwhile, a fourth Ku-band service area will provide for markets in sub-Saharan Africa.
Once Eutelsat 3B is launched, the Eutelsat 3D satellite will change its orbital position to 7 degrees East. The upcoming Eutelsat 3B is scheduled to be launched next year to deliver spectrum growth and high levels of operational flexibility in C, Ku and Ka band.
Vietnam to launch second satellite
VNPT, the project’s investor, plans to hold a press conference on the launching on May 9.
The Vinasat-2 satellite project is estimated to cost around USD300 million, and was approved by the PM in 2009.
The technology was designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the US aerospace giant, who also constructed Vinasat-1.
(Source: english.vietnamnet.vn)
China launches Compass duo via Long March 3B
The Chinese have launched a pair of navigation satellites, marking the first time a Long March 3B (Chang Zheng 3B) launch vehicle has been used for this kind of mission. The launch of the Compass-M3 and Compass-M4 satellites took place at 2050UTC on Sunday from the LC2 launch complex of the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.
Abu Dhabi launches second satellite
Abu Dhabi’s second communications satellite was sent successfully into the orbit early morning on Tuesday, from a space station in Kazakhstan.
A Mubadala Development Company unit, Al Yah Satellite Communications Company or Yahsat, confirmed that the launch of Y1B took place at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan at 2.18am, Abu Dhabi time.
Yahsat’s first satellite Y1A was successfully launched in April 2011.
(Source: khaleejtimes.com)
