Airbus Defence and Space is to build an innovative new satellite on behalf of Eutelsat. Launching in the first half of 2017 Eutelsat 172B will be the first European satellite to demonstrate electric propulsion for orbit raising.
It will use only electric propulsion for initial orbit raising and all on-orbit manoeuvres, with the reduction in mass enabling the powerful satellite to be launched with the Ariane 5 lower position, offering lower launch costs. In-orbit raising is expected to take approximately four months.
“Once again Eutelsat has proved its confidence in the innovative technologies and solutions we propose, using the benefits of these advances for improving customer service in its markets,” said François Auque, Head of Space Systems. “This new order consolidates Airbus Defence and Space’s position as a global leader in the field of electric satellites.”
In addition to electric propulsion for in-orbit raising, Eutelsat 172B will be Eutelsat’s first satellite equipped to dynamically distribute power between beams connected to its High Throughput payload. This facility will enable Eutelsat to respond to traffic variations across the eight time zones covered by the payload’s 11 beams that span from the Western seaboard of North America to South-East Asia.
A 14 transponder C-band payload will deliver increased power and broader coverage to enhance service and tap into new growth markets in South East Asia. 36 Ku-band transponders will more than double capacity at 172° degrees East. Transponders will be connected to five improved service areas: North Pacific, North East Asia, South East Pacific, South West Pacific and South Pacific.
Michel de Rosen, Eutelsat Chairman and CEO, said: “With the allocation of the contracts to manufacture and launch Eutelsat 172B awarded to Airbus Defence and Space and Arianespace, we are placing our trust once again in two industry leaders who understand our rigour and high expectations. Through a combination of three distinct payloads, electric propulsion and dynamic power distribution, Eutelsat 172B reflects our commitment to innovations that benefit our customers and raises the game for the satellite business.”
The satellite will have electric power of 13 kW, with a launch weight of only 3,500 kg. It also incorporates other state-of-the-art solutions, in particular the flexibility to dynamically distribute power between the set of beams connected to its high throughput payload.
