Eutelsat’s 21B arrives in Kourou for November 9 launch

Artist’s impression of Eutelsat 21B

Eutelsat’s latest satellite, the 21 B, has arrived at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana, and is currently under preparations for its November 9 launch. The spacecraft, built by Thales Alenia Space, will be launched into orbit through Ariansepace’s Ariane 5 Rocket.

The satellite 21B, which weighs 5 tons at lift-off, has been equipped with 40 ku band transponders, and was designed to replace another Eutelsat satellite, the 21A. The latter vessel will continue commercial service although it will be moved to a different orbital location.

21B on the other hand will be set at 21.5° East and is expected to operate for 15 years. Eutelsat expected the satellite to boost capacity by up to 50% in target regions across Europe, Central Asia, Middle East, and North Africa.

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