Eutelsat 7C & AT&T T-16

Mission

Eutelsat 7C & AT&T T-16

• Type: Communications
• Orbit: Geostationary Transfer Orbit

Eutelsat 7C is based on an all-electric propulsion version of the SSL-1300 satellite platform. Equipped with 44 operational Ku-band transponders, the new satellite will be copositioned with Eutelsat 7B, releasing Eutelsat 7A to another orbital location. This improved two-satellite constellation will enable Eutelsat to optimise resources across both satellites, with enhanced coverage flexibility and connectivity set to take the 7° East neighbourhood to a new level. By almost doubling capacity over Sub-Saharan Africa, from 22 to 42 transponders, it will also make room for several hundred additional digital channels to support the region’s fast expanding TV market. 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° East.

AT&T T-16 is based on Astrium’s Eurostar-3000 platform. The satellite has a payload comprising of high power transponders in Ku-band and transponders in Ka-band. It will operate from 100.85° West.

Location

Ariane Launch Area 3

Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana

Ariane Launch Area 3 has witnessed the launch of 118 rockets, including 118 orbital launch attempts, while Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana, has been the site for 320 rocket launches.

Rocket

ArianeGroup Ariane 5 ECA

Ariane 5 is a heavy-lift launch vehicle, part of the Ariane rocket family.

Agency

Arianespace

Arianespace SA is a multinational company founded in 1980 as the world’s first commercial launch service provider. It undertakes the production, operation, and marketing of the Ariane programme. Their vehicles launch exclusively from French Guiana in South America.