Eutelsat 7C rendering. Photo: SSL

Eutelsat Communications’ newest high-power broadcast satellite, EUTELSAT 7C, arrived at the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana where it will be launched as a co-passenger on an Ariane 5 rocket on June 20. Built by Maxar Technologies, the 3.4 ton satellite will serve markets across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Turkey through 49 36-Mhz equivalent Ku-band transponders.

The satellite will be co-located with EUTELSAT 7B at 7 degrees East, increasing capacity for the neighborhood by 19 transponders. EUTELSAT 7A will be relocated as part of Eutelsat’s fleet optimisation strategy.

The launch is scheduled for 20 June during a launch window opening at 21:43 UTC and closing at 23:30 UTC. The satellite will go into full commercial service at the end of 2019 following all electric orbit raising and in orbit tests.