Eutelsat says a new generation of European-designed satellite functionality will raise the bar of performance, flexibility and signal security.
The enhancements will be included for the first time on the new Eutelsat 8 West B satellite, scheduled for launch in 2015.
They have been developed by the satellite’s prime contractor, Thales Alenia Space, with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA) and CNES.
A key feature is the mitigation of the effects of interference by increasing control over uplink frequencies to a satellite.
The number of active channels will also be increased by optimizing a satellite payload’s use of the electrical power generated by its solar panels.
Eutelsat 8 West B will be located at the 7/8 degrees West neighbourhood and is primarily designed to support the Middle East and North Africa.