Sea Launch Lofts Eutelsat Sat in Final Launch of 2012

摘要

A Sea Launch AG Zenit-3SL rocket successfully placed the Eutelsat 70B telecommunications satellite into geostationary transfer orbit Dec. 3, a launch that will help Paris-based Eutelsat fuel growth in its business with the U.S. government. Eutelsat said 70B, built by Astrium Satellites and carrying 48 transponders connected to four regional beams, was healthy in orbit and is expected to begin commercial sercvice in mid-January. Operating at Eutelsat's 70.5 degrees east orbital position, 70B will double the capacity now offered from that slot from the Eutelsat 70A. Eutelsat has said 70A, which was launched in 2002, would be moved to another, undisclosed orbital slot.