ABS-3A and EUTELSAT 115 Successfully Launched
Cape Canaveral, Fla., March 2, 2015-- ABS-3A and EUTELSAT 115 West B was successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida at 10:50 p.m. EST on March 1st, 2015. Both satellites separated from the Falcon 9 launcher after a 35-minute flight, with telemetry subsequently received and processed at Boeing’s mission control center in El Segundo, California.
ABS-3A is the revolutionary 702SP satellite, with an innovative design that will have a significant impact on the industry. ABS-3A is lighter and smaller than a conventional satellite due to the use of the all- electric propulsion system, making it more economical to launch. A conventional chemical satellite uses 50% of its weight during the ascent into orbit. Built by Boeing Space Systems International, ABS-3A is equipped with 48 x 72 MHz C & Ku-band transponders and will offer expanded communications and broadcast capacity connecting the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa at 3°W.
“We have always called upon the industry to be more cost effective to better compete with other alternatives. Now we are showing our lead to the industry. We have not only ordered two all-electric propulsion satellites, but also collaborated with Eutelsat to obtain a volume discount as our two satellites are part of a four satellite, two launch multi-party agreement we have negotiated with Boeing and SpaceX respectively, ” said Tom Choi, CEO of ABS.
ABS-3A is the first of two satellites planned by ABS for launch in 2015. ABS-2A is due to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2015 and will represent the same technological innovation at the leading edge of the industry.
Patricio Northland, CEO of Eutelsat Americas, also commented from the launch site: “The EUTELSAT 115 West B satellite will transform the service we can offer clients delivering data services that include broadband, cellular backhaul, VSAT solutions and social connectivity. In addition to delivering high-performance C and Ku-band capacity, our footprint will extend beyond Latin American markets into Canada and Alaska. Tonight’s launch reaffirms us more than ever as the satellite company of reference for the Americas.”
Over the coming three days EUTELSAT 115 West B’s electric propulsion system will be prepared for orbit-raising that is scheduled to commence on 7 March and last for approximately eight months. Following this timeline, the satellite will undergo performance tests prior to commercial entry into service in November 2015.
The satellite will be followed into orbit later this year by the all-electric EUTELSAT 117 West B satellite that will be located at 117° West to boost capacity for Latin America broadcast markets. The third pillar in Eutelsat’s expansion in the Americas will be EUTELSAT 65 West A that is scheduled for launch in 2016 in advance of the Olympic Games in Brazil. It will feature high-power coverage of Brazil and Latin America in C, Ku and Ka-bands.
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- Boeing Completes World’s First All-Electric Propulsion Satellites for ABS and Eutelsat
- ABS Appoints Rajiv Khattar as President-South Asia
- ABS Expands its Operations in Africa
- ABS Poised for Major Expansion
