Arianespace has launched a new communications satellite into space for Spain’s Hispasat Group from European Spaceport of Kourou, French Guiana.

Launched aboard Arianespace’s Soyuz launch vehicle, the newly launched Hispasat 36W-1 (H36W-1) satellite is equipped with a RedSAT regenerative payload, which features an active antenna with reconfigurable beams that will improve the efficiency and services offered by the satellite.

Featuring a 3,200kg launch mass, the satellite is also equipped with 20 Ku-band transponders and additional capacity of up to three Ka-band transponders.

"Hispasat 36W-1 is not only the first mission of the new SmallGEO platform, but also incorporates an advanced regenerative payload that will provide the satellite with greater flexibility and signal quality."

Manufactured by German company OHB System, the H36W-1 will provide video, cellular backhaul and other services for South America and Europe for 15 years.

Hispasat Group CEO Carlos Espinós said: “Hispasat 36W-1 is not only the first mission of the new SmallGEO platform, but also incorporates an advanced regenerative payload that will provide the satellite with greater flexibility and signal quality, thanks to its reconfigurable antenna and on-board processor, thus improving the telecommunications services it will provide to its clients.

“We are very satisfied with our collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), which has allowed us to participate in a leading technological project to which they have added significant value with their knowledge and experience in the space sector.”

Developed jointly by OHB System and ESA, SmallGEO platform allows for a substantial reduction in satellite mass by using electric propulsion throughout the lifespan of the satellite.

More than €240m has been estimated to be invested in the project.

Image: Launch of Hispasat 36W-1 (H36W-1) satellite from European Spaceport of Kourou in French Guiana. Photo: courtesy of Hispasat.