Space Systems Loral (SSL) has announced that the BulgariaSat-1 satellite, designed and built for Bulgaria Sat, an affiliate of Bulsatcom, a leading telecommunications company and the largest provider of payTV services in Bulgaria, has arrived at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station — the satellite is to be launched aboard a space-proven Falcon 9 vehicle provided by SpaceX.
Photo of BulgariaSat-1 is courtesy of SSL.
BulgariaSat-1 will be Bulgaria’s first satellite. SSL is a subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (TSX:MDA), a global communications and information company.
BulgariaSat-1 will provide high quality DTH television and telecommunications services in the Balkans and other European regions and is equipped with 30 Ku-band BSS transponders to broaden the availability of advanced television services, such as HDTV. Based on the powerful SSL 1300 platform, the satellite is designed to provide service for 15 years or more.
John Celli, the president of SSL, noted that SSL has a history of working closely with new satellite operators to help them move their businesses forward and SSL is pleased that this first satellite ever built for a company in Bulgaria has safely arrived at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The company is looking forward to BulgariaSat-1 making history as the second satellite ever to launch on a Falcon 9 that has flown a previous mission. Launch vehicle reuse is an important enabler for the satellite industry.