[Satellite Today 07-23-09] Arianespace won a contract to launch the Hylas telecommunications satellite for Avanti, Arianespace announced July 22.
    Hylas, built by EADS Astrium, has been scheduled for launch onboard an Ariane 5 or Soyuz rocket in the first semester of 2010.
    The satellite will use Ka-band to deliver broadband to Europe. It will be placed at 33.5 degrees West, where it will operate for more than 15 years, according to its design life.
    Hylas is the first Avanti satellite scheduled for launch aboard an Arianespace vehicle.