The first satellite in Telenor Satellite Broadcasting’s replacement and expansion programme has arrived safely at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The NOK1.2 billion (€150 million) Thor 5 satellite is now undergoing the final preparations ahead of its launch on February 10.
Cato Halsaa, CEO of Telenor Satellite Broadcasting said the new satellite would strengthen Telenor’s capacity in Central and Eastern Europe: “Telenor Satellite Broadcasting firmly believes that growth in HDTV and niche TV channels will continue to create an increased demand for satellite capacity and with our satellite replacement and expansion programme on track.” The satellite will join the existing Telenor fleet at the one degree West neighbourhood.
Thor 5 was shipped to the Baikonur Cosmodrome having passed all the comprehensive tests at the Orbital Sciences Corporation in Washington. The spacecraft will now go through final preparations and testing before it is docked with the launch vehicle, a Proton Breeze M.
