International Launch Services (ILS) has successfully placed Eutelsat 9B into geosynchronous transfer orbit.
The Proton Breeze M vehicle launched from Pad 39 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 04:20 (local)/22:20 GMT. Separation of the satellite took place 9 hours, 12 minutes after liftoff.
The event at the Baikonur Cosmodrome marks the 92nd Proton launch.
ILS President Kirk Pysher said, “The Eutelsat 9B launch truly represents an example of an international partnership: a European-made satellite for Eutelsat with an ESA / Airbus Defence and Space payload launched on a Russian rocket by an American company.”
Eutelsat 9B, built by Airbus Defence and Space, is a high-capacity 56-transponder Ku-band satellite and is destined for 9 degrees East. It has one pan-European footprint and four regional footprints.
“Our congratulations to ILS and Krunichev for today’s flawless launch that sees a new Eutelsat satellite propelled on its way to geostationary orbit. This sophisticated satellite program reflects outstanding collaboration between Eutelsat, ESA, Airbus Defence and Space, ILS and Khrunichev,” said Michel de Rosen, Eutelsat Chairman and CEO.
More Eutelsat launches are anticipated through the multi-launch agreement between the two organisations.
