Eutelsat 21B makes successful launch

Satellite operator Eutelsat has confirmed the successful launch of 21B.

The satellite launched at 21:05 GMT from Kourou, French Guiana. It is expected to enter commercial service in mid-December.

The 40-transponder Ku-band satellite will occupy the 21.5° East orbital position, expanding capacity at this location by more than 50%. The satellite will replace Eutelsat 21A,which will continue commercial service at another orbital location.

Eutelsat CEO, Michel de Rosen said, “Eutelsat 21B is the first of seven satellites we will launch by mid-2015 to increase our commercial flexibility and our overall resources by almost 30%. We are delighted to see this new satellite on its way to an orbital location that is a point of reference for customers providing professional video, data and government applications in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and central Asia.”