News | 16.06.2017
The EUTELSAT 172B satellite of Eutelsat Communications was successfully launched into space on 2nd of June by an Ariane 5 from Kourou. This is a great milestone for Europe and its space Electric Propulsion community. EUTELSAT 172B is the first European all-electric Telecom satellite.
Since launch, EUTELSAT 172B has undergone a series of critical maneuvers that include positioning of electric propulsion motors attached to robotic arms in preparation for orbit-raising, and the full deployment of solar panels to generate power during this phase.
EUTELSAT 172B will deliver increased capacity for fast-growing applications that include in-flight and maritime connectivity, cellular backhaul, corporate networks, video and government services. It will be located at 172° East, a key neighborhood providing exceptional Asia-Pacific reach over land and sea, from Alaska to Australia. Designed to replace EUTELSAT 172A, it will provide increased capacity, more power and improved coverage via C and Ku-band payloads connected to a range of service areas.
More info on Eutelsat press releases