Arianespace preps Intelsat and Japan launches
August 23, 2017
By Chris Forrester
Arianespace is preparing for its 9th launch this year and is busy readying two satellites to be carried into space on September 5th.
Intelsat 37e is the heavier of the two spacecraft. Built by Boeing using one of its 702MP platforms it is the latest in the ‘Epic’ series of high-performance satellites, and the fourth ‘Epic’ to be lofted into space by Arianespace. The craft, which weighs 6440 kgs, will be placed at 342 degrees East.
The second, lighter, satellite has been built by Space Systems/Loral under a build and launch contract for Japan. BSAT-4a will go to 110 degrees East and be used for DTH broadcasting and in readiness for this coming winter’s Olympic Games as well as the 2020 Tokyo Games where it will also be used for 4K and 8K transmissions. BSAT4a weighs some 3520 kgs, and has a design life of 15 years.