Telenor Satellite Broadcasting’s giant Thor-7 satellite is being shipped from its Space Systems/Loral production facility in the next few days and flown to the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.  There it will go through final testing, and fuelling, ahead of a launch by an Arianespace rocket.

Thor-7 was designed with up to 25 simultaneously active Ka-band spot beams and a steerable beam for flexibility in meeting changing market requirements.  Its Ku-band payload includes 11 transponders, which will enable expanded services in the region as well as back-up to ensure uninterrupted service.

“The satellite built by SSL will deliver a very bandwidth efficient and flexible service for major shipping routes and recreational vessels,” said Morten Tengs, VP/CEO of Telenor Satellite Broadcasting. “With the launch of Thor-7, our growth satellite, we look forward to further extending our position in the market and expanding our European coverage.”

Thor-7 is a multi-mission satellite equipped with Telenor’s first high performance Ka-band payload, designed to serve the maritime market. The HTS Ka-band payload on Thor-7, designed specifically for the mobility VSAT market, will provide cost-effective solutions and offer high powered coverage over the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea, the Red Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean. The satellite also has a Ku-band payload for broadcast and television services in Central and Eastern Europe.

When launched, Thor-7 will be positioned at 1 degree West longitude and is designed to provide service for 15 years or more.

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