[Satnews] Space Systems Loral (SSL) has  announced that the EUTELSAT 65 West A satellite designed and built for Eutelsat, which was launched on March 8th, is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers, all according to plan.

The EUTELSAT 65 West A satellite.

Photo is courtesy of SSL.

Following the launch on an Ariane 5 rocket, the satellite’s solar arrays were deployed on schedule and its main thruster will be fired for the first time later tonight to propel it toward its final geosynchronous orbit. EUTELSAT 65 West A will provide service in Brazil and across Latin America.  It has 10 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders, which will be used for video and data services and 24 Ka-band spot beams for broadband connectivity.

EUTELSAT 65 West A is based on the highly reliable SSL 1300 platform, which provides high-power and the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. The satellite, which is designed to provide service for 15 years or more, will be located at 65 degrees West longitude. With this launch, there are 81 SSL-built GEO satellites currently on orbit.

“It has been our pleasure to work closely with Eutelsat to design, build and launch this multi-mission satellite that includes some very advanced capabilities,” said John Celli, president of SSL. “I would like to thank and congratulate the teams from Eutelsat, Arianespace and SSL who worked hard to make this satellite a success.”

“SSL has been an excellent partner in executing on a very complex and demanding satellite program,” said Rodolphe Belmer, chief executive officer of Eutelsat. “We look forward to fully integrating EUTELSAT 65 West A into our global fleet and to strengthening our footprint over Latin America for broadcast and broadband services.”