[Satellite Today – 09-13-07] Avanti Communications Group’s Hylas satellite will be launched in 2009 using a Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) rocket, the company announced Sept. 13.

Hylas, a Ka-band satellite, will provide broadband and data communications services to European customers in 22 countries. It is expected to be launched using a SpaceX Falcon 9 between March 31 and Dec. 31, 2009.

The contract includes options for up to three additional launches. If Avanti exercized all the options, the contract would be worth approximately $150 million.