SSL to build Eutelsat’s all-eletric broadcast satellite to expand services Middle East, Africa

Eutelsat Communications has entrusted Space Systems Loral (SSL) with the manufacture of a high-power broadcast satellite to serve markets in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Turkey.

Called EUTELSAT 7C, the new satellite will be located at 7 degrees East, a position that already broadcasts more than 370 channels.

To be launched in third quarter 2018 and equipped with 44 operational Ku-band transponders, the new satellite will be copositioned with EUTELSAT 7B, releasing EUTELSAT 7A to another orbital location. This two-satellite constellation will enable Eutelsat to optimise resources across both satellites, with enhanced coverage flexibility and connectivity. It will almost double capacity over Sub-Saharan Africa, increasing from 22 to 42 transponders.

EUTELSAT 7C will also be equipped with a beam providing enhanced capacity for government services over Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia, and a beam that can be steered to cover any region visible from 7 degrees East.

EUTELSAT 7C is the fifth all-electric satellite ordered by Eutelsat, enabling the company to take advantage of reduced launch mass while retaining payload performance. Based on the SSL 1300 platform, it is the third satellite built for Eutelsat by SSL, following EUTELSAT 25B and EUTELSAT 65 West A, which were launched by Ariane on March 9.