Credit: Arianespace
A new satellite capable of being reconfigured whilst in orbit has been successfully launched by Arianespace.
Eutelsat Quantum lifted off at 21.00 GMT on July 30 on board an Ariane 5 rocket from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana.
Built by Airbus Defence and Space, Eutelsat Quantum’s reprogrammable features that can actively define and shape performance will be of particular benefit to Government and Mobility markets.
ESA and the UK Space Agency supported the development of the core technologies integrated into Eutelsat Quantum, within the framework of a Public-Private Partnership between ESA, Eutelsat and Airbus Defence and Space.
Commenting on the agreement, Pascal Homsy, Eutelsat’s Chief Technical Officer said: “The collaboration between Eutelsat, ESA, the UK Space Agency and Airbus Defence and Space on this ambitious satellite program has resulted in a world-first. Eutelsat Quantum will supply services with unprecedented in-orbit reconfigurability in coverage, frequency and power, allowing complete mission rehaul, at any orbital position. It is a testimony to the innovative spirit and expertise of the European Space industry.”
Eutelsat Quantum will be located at 48 degrees East and is due to enter service in the 4th quarter of 2021.
