Eutelsat and ABS ready for launch
May 31, 2016
By Chris Forrester
Two Boeing-built satellites are being readied for launch at Cape Canaveral aboard a single SpaceX rocket. Both satellites are all-electric craft and will use on-board electric thrusters to reach orbit.
Eutelsat 117 West B along with its co-passenger ABS 2A are scheduled to lift-off during daylight hours at 10.30am (EDT) on June 16 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.
Eutelsat 117 West B will provide Latin America with video, data, government, and mobile services for the Paris-based operator. The satellite will be co-located with Satmex-8 (now renamed Eutelsat 117 West A) which was launched in March 2013.
ABS 2A will broadcast DTH television, mobile and maritime communications services across Russia, India, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region for Asia Broadcast Satellite of Bermuda and Hong Kong.