Airbus satellite

Eutelsat has awarded a contract to Airbus Defence and Space for the construction of a new telecommunications satellite, expected to be the first in Europe to perform electric orbit raising (EOR).

Scheduled to launch in the first half of 2017, the new EUTELSAT 172B satellite can host a C-band, a Ku-band and a high throughput payload, offering high performance with lower launch costs.

Based on the company’s Eurostar E3000 platform, the new satellite will use only electric propulsion during initial orbit raising and all on-orbit manoeuvres, further reducing the mass and allowing it to be launched with the Ariane 5 lower position.

"We are the first in Europe, and even the first in the world, to demonstrate electric propulsion for satellites of this size."

In-orbit raising is expected to take approximately four months.

Airbus Defence and Space head of space systems François Auque said: "Once again Eutelsat has proved its confidence in the innovative technologies and solutions we propose, using the benefits of these advances for improving customer service in its markets.

"This new order consolidates Airbus Defence and Space’s position as a global leader in the field of electric satellites."

With an electric power of 13kW and a launch weight of 3,500kg, the satellite integrates the latest technologies, particularly the flexibility to dynamically allocate power between the set of beams linked to its high throughput payload.

Airbus Defence and Space head of space systems programmes Eric Béranger said: "We are the first in Europe, and even the first in the world, to demonstrate electric propulsion for satellites of this size.

"Our expertise paves the way for launching powerful and complex satellites in the most cost-efficient manner."

Image: The EUTELSAT-172B satellite is due for launch in the first half of 2017. Photo: courtesy of Airbus Defence and Space SAS.

Defence Technology