[Satellite Today 05-15-09] Eutelsat Communications selected Astrium to deliver Atlantic Bird 7, which is scheduled for launch in the fourth quarter of 2011, Astrium announced May 14.
   The satellite, based on Astrium’s Eurostar E3000 platform and featuring up to 44 Ku-band transponders, will deliver digital direct-to-home broadcasting to markets in the Middle East and North Africa, which Eutelsat operates in collaboration with the Egyptian satellite operator, Nilesat.
   Following the launch and entry into service of Atlantic Bird 7, Eutelsat will redeploy Atlantic Bird 4A from 7 degrees East to 13 degrees East, where it will revert to its original name of Hot Bird 10.
   Eutelsat said it will select a launch vehicle at a later stage.