Hispasat has selected ILS and SpaceX for the launch of its new Hispasat 1F satellite.
For the first time the Spanish operator has chosen SpaceX and its Falcon 9 vehicle to put one of its satellites in orbit, but returns to ILS, which launched Amazonas 1 in 2004.
The co-passenger will be the Amazonas 5 satellite.
Hispasat 1F, which will be built on the SSL 1300 satellite platform, will be located at the 30 degrees West orbital position. It will replace Hispasat 1D and provide the Group with additional Ku-band capacity for the Andes and Brazil. It also improves connectivity between North America and Europe. Ka-band capacity will be added to the European footprint.
“By putting our Amazonas 5 and Hispasat 1F satellites in orbit, Hispasat Group will strengthen its position as the leader in the Spanish and Portuguese markets and will be able to satisfy the growing demand for telecommunication services in Europe, America and North Africa. We are certain that the choice of ILS and SpaceX will allow us the flexibility to successfully accomplish these two missions,” said Hispasat CEO Carlos Espinós.
The satellite will be one of the two satellites that Space Systems Loral LLC (SSL) of Palo Alto, California is building for Hispasat, Hispasat 1F and Amazonas 5. Both weigh approximately 5 metric tons.
