Eutelsat has selected Thales Alenia Space to deliver a new 40 transponder Ku-band satellite that will replace Eutelsat W6 at 21.5 degrees East.
The new Eutelsat W6A represents a doubling in capacity on its predecessor. It will carry a mix of data, professional video and government services across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.
The five tonne satellite will be based on the Thales Alenia Space Spacebus C3 platform, with a scheduled in-orbit lifetime exceeding 15 years. Two dedicated high power beams will provide increased coverage of North Africa and the Middle East.
“The combination of power, coverage and flexibility we provide at 21.5 degrees East has enabled Eutelsat to steadily attract ongoing business at this location over 10 years,” said Eutelsat CEO Michel de Rosen in a statement. “We have designed our new satellite to further unlock the potential of this sweet spot for data, professional video and government services and are delighted to entrust its construction to Thales Alenia Space, a longstanding industrial partner for Eutelsat.”
This new satellite is the 20th ordered by Eutelsat from Thales Alenia Space. It forms part of Eutelsat’s capital expenditure programme of €450 million on average per year that runs from June 2009 to June 2012.
