[Satellite TODAY 04-17-13] Eutelsat Communication’s Eutelsat 3D satellite is now undergoing final preparations for launch aboard an International Launch Services (ILS) Proton Breeze M rocket at the Baikonour Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Lift-off is scheduled for May 14.

 

    The Eutelsat 3D weighs 5.4 tons at lift-off and was built by Thales Alenia Space using its Spacebus 4000 platform. The satellite is designed to operate in orbit for 15 years.

 

    Eutelsat 3D will initially be located at the 3 degrees east orbital position to address high-growth video, data, telecom and broadband markets. Through its configuration of Ku and Ka transponders connected to three footprints, the new satellite will serve customers in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. A fourth service area in the Ku-band will address markets in sub-Saharan Africa.