TAMPA, Fla. — Eutelsat Communications has ordered a GEO satellite called Eutelsat 36D from Airbus for a launch in 2024.
Eutelsat 36D will replace Eutelsat 36B, which is expected to reach the end of its life in 2026 at the 36° East orbital position, where it covers Africa, Russia and Europe.
It is one of the operator’s most important orbital positions, ranking third in terms of overall revenue generation and second for government services.
The new all-electric satellite will have 70 physical Ku-band transponders and is based on the Airbus Eurostar Neo platform.
“We are delighted to rely once again on one of our longstanding partners, Airbus, to assure this critical satellite program,” said Pascal Homsy, Eutelsat’s chief technical officer.
“This new state-of-the-art satellite will assure enhanced service continuity for our key DTH customers in the major markets of Africa and Russia.”
More to come