PARIS, November 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The W7 satellite of Eutelsat
Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) arrived at the Baikonour Cosmodrome on
October 20, and is now in final stages of preparation for launch on November
23 by International Launch Services (ILS) on board a Proton Breeze M booster.
The Proton lift-off is scheduled on November 23 at 14.22 GMT (15.22 CET).
Built for Eutelsat by Thales Alenia Space, Eutelsat's newest and most
powerful satellite to date will be colocated with W4 at 36 degrees East to
more than double resources at one of Eutelsat's fastest-growing
neighbourhoods.
Through a configuration of up to 70 transponders connected to five
high-performance fixed and steerable beams, W7 will provide coverage of
Russia and sub-Saharan Africa for digital broadcasting services including
pay-TV, and add significant resources and flexibility for expanding video and
telecommunications markets in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and central
Asia. The satellite will also enhance service provided since 2000 by SESAT 1,
which after W7's entry into service at 36degrees East will be redeployed at
an alternative location.
W7's launch marks the latest step in Eutelsat's far-reaching investment
programme of new satellites designed to expand, renew and secure its in-orbit
resources. Four further satellites will be orbited by the end of 2011 (W3B,
KA-SAT, W3C and ATLANTIC BIRD(TM) 7). W7 characteristics:
Prime contractor - Thales Alenia Space
Platform: Spacebus 4000 C4
Launch mass: 5.6 tonnes
Solar array power: 15.8 kW
Payload power: 13.2 kW
Operational lifetime: 15 years
About Eutelsat Communications
Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is
the holding company of Eutelsat S.A.. With capacity commercialised on 27
satellites that provide coverage over the entire European continent, as well
as the Middle East, Africa, India and significant parts of Asia and the
Americas, Eutelsat is one of the world's three leading satellite operators in
terms of revenues. At 30 June 2009, Eutelsat's satellites were broadcasting
almost 3,200 television channels and 1,100 radio stations. More than 1,000
channels broadcast via its HOT BIRD(TM) video neighbourhood at 13 degrees
East which serves over 123 million cable and satellite homes in Europe, the
Middle East and North Africa. The Group's satellites also serve a wide range
of fixed and mobile telecommunications services, TV contribution markets,
corporate networks, and broadband markets for Internet Service Providers and
for transport, maritime and in-flight markets. Eutelsat's broadband
subsidiary, Skylogic, markets and operates services through teleports in
France and Italy that serve enterprises, local communities, government
agencies and aid organisations in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.
Headquartered in Paris, Eutelsat and its subsidiaries employ 610 commercial,
technical and operational employees from 28 countries. http://www.eutelsat.com
For further information
Press
Vanessa O'Connor Tel: +33-1-53-98-38-88 voconnor@eutelsat.fr
Frederique Gautier Tel: +33-1-53-98-38-88 fgautier@eutelsat.fr
Investors
Gilles Janvier Tel: +33-1-53-98-35-30
investors@eutelsat-communications.com
SOURCE Eutelsat Communications
For further information: Press: Vanessa O'Connor, Tel: +33-1-53-98-38-88,
voconnor@eutelsat.fr; Frederique Gautier, Tel: +33-1-53-98-38-88
fgautier@eutelsat.fr; Investors, Gilles Janvier, Tel: +33-1-53-98-35-30,
investors@eutelsat-communications.com
