Thor 7 in the Compact Antenna Test Range (CATR). Photo: SSL

[Via Satellite 06-22-2015] Telenor Satellite Broadcasting’s newest satellite, Thor 7, has completed in-orbit testing as well as its journey from Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) to its 1 degree west orbital slot. Thor 7, built by SSL, launched April 26, 2015 aboard an Ariane 5 rocket. Telenor’s satellite control center took over the satellite on June 16.

Thor 7’s Ku-band payload, which consists of 11 transponders for DTH broadcasting in Europe, is now ready for commercial operation. The satellite’s high-throughput Ka-band payload will now undergo a further testing phase of its ground infrastructure with test customers. Service from the multi-gigabit HTS payload, which targets the maritime industry, is expected to be fully operational in the fourth quarter of 2015.