EUTELSAT 25B Satellite to be Launched August 29

Satellite operator Eutelsat (News - Alert) Communications confirmed the arrival of its EUTELSAT 25B satellite at the European spaceport in French Guiana. The satellite is now in the final stages of preparation and is planned to be launched by an Ariane 5 vehicle on August 29.

Built by Space Systems/Loral (SSL) the EUTELSAT 25B satellite high-power, multi-mission satellite is jointly owned by Eutelsat and Es'hailSat from Qatar.

As indicated, the satellite will be operated at the 25.5 degrees East orbital location currently occupied by the EUTELSAT 25C satellite in order to provide both operators with flexible coverage over the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia for broadcasting, telecommunications and government services in Ku and Ka-bands. 

The satellite is based on the highly reliable SSL 1300 platform and is designed to provide service for 15 years or more.

Back in January 2013, Eutelsat Communications announced the full entry into commercial service of the Eutelsat 70B satellite at 70.5 degrees east. According to a release, the seamless transfer of all traffic from the EUTELSAT 70A satellite was carried out overnight by Eutelsat's control center, working in close collaboration with clients and providers of uplink services. Eutelsat 70A was then planned to be redeployed to 25.5 degrees East until the launch of Eutelsat 25B.

Eutelsat is also planning to launch four additional satellites before the end of 2015 with superior reach to the Middle East and Africa.

Eutelsat Communications is currently operating 31 satellites delivering reach to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, significant parts of the Americas and the Asia-Pacific. As of March 31, Eutelsat's satellites were broadcasting more than 4,600 television channels to over 200 million cable and satellite homes in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The Group's satellites also provide a wide range of services for TV contribution, corporate networks and fixed and mobile broadband markets.