Eutelsat’s Atlantic Bird 7 in successful launch

Eutelsat’s Atlantic Bird 7 satellite has successfully launched from international waters in the Pacific Ocean.
The satellite launched on September 24 at 20:18 GMT.

It will be deployed at 7° West where it will deliver Arab and international channels into almost 30 million satellite homes across North Africa and the Middle East.

Eutelsat operates at 7° West in collaboration with Egyptian satellite operator Nilesat, which manages its own system of three satellites at this location.

Following early orbit operations which are managed by Eutelsat and Astrium engineers, and which include circularising the satellite’s orbit and deploying the antennas, Atlantic Bird 7 will undergo a full series of in-orbit tests. It will be moved to 7° West in the second half of October to assume broadcasting of the 370 digital and HD channels already delivered from this position by Eutelsat’s Atlantic Bird 4A satellite.

Following Atlantic Bird 7’s entry into service, Atlantic Bird 4A will be redeployed to an alternative location where it will remain in full commercial service.