Built by Maxar Technologies, the 3.4 tonne satellite will serve markets across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Turkey through 49 36-Mhz equivalent Ku-band transponders. It will be co-located with EUTELSAT 7B at 7° East, increasing capacity for this dynamic neighbourhood by 19 transponders. EUTELSAT 7A will be relocated as part of Eutelsat’s fleet optimisation strategy.
The launch is scheduled for 20 June during a launch window opening at 21:43 UTC and closing at 23:30 UTC.
The satellite will go into full commercial service at the end of 2019 following all electric orbit raising and in orbit tests.
