On Sunday night the Falcon 9 rocket will lift off from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral. Within its fairing will be two new communication satellites, ABS-3A and Eutelsat 115 West B.
Both satellites are built on the Boeing 702SP satellite base. The satellites both feature all-electric propulsion, allowing for easy orbit raising and station-keeping. This will also be the first launch of Boeing’s new stacking system that they patented in December 2014. The satellites will be delivered to geostationary transfer orbit by the Falcon 9 rocket, and from there separate and boost to the correct orbit.
ABS-3A
The ABS-3A satellite, operated by Asia Broadcasting Satellite, will replace the ABS-3 satellite launched way back in 1997. With a mass of just under 2000 kg, the satellite will extend the C- and Ku-band services into the Atlantic Ocean region for ABS’s existing customers. With the aid of 24 Ku band transponders and 24 C band transponders, the satellite will support VSAT services, TV distribution, IP trunking, cellular backhaul and maritime services.
EUTELSAT 115 WEST B
Originally called the slightly shorter name of Satmex-7, the Eutelsat 115 West B satellite will be located at 114.9° West. Its location will extend Eutelsat’s satellite coverage from Alaska and Canada down to South America, with particularly unique coverage over the Galapagos and Easter Island. Equipped with 12 C-band and 34 Ku-band transponders, the satellite will be used by ISPs, telecom operators, government agencies, media broadcasters and aeronautical and maritime interests.
This won’t be the only Eutelsat launch of the year. Being delivered by another Falcon 9 later this year, the Eutelsat 117 West B will lift off from Cape Canveral with another ABS satellite, further expanding the communications coverage of the globe that Eutelsat are providing.
You can watch the launch on the SpaceX webcast, and learn more about the launch itself by checking out my preview post.
Both satellites are built on the Boeing 702SP satellite base. The satellites both feature all-electric propulsion, allowing for easy orbit raising and station-keeping. This will also be the first launch of Boeing’s new stacking system that they patented in December 2014. The satellites will be delivered to geostationary transfer orbit by the Falcon 9 rocket, and from there separate and boost to the correct orbit.
ABS-3A
The ABS-3A satellite, operated by Asia Broadcasting Satellite, will replace the ABS-3 satellite launched way back in 1997. With a mass of just under 2000 kg, the satellite will extend the C- and Ku-band services into the Atlantic Ocean region for ABS’s existing customers. With the aid of 24 Ku band transponders and 24 C band transponders, the satellite will support VSAT services, TV distribution, IP trunking, cellular backhaul and maritime services.
EUTELSAT 115 WEST B
Originally called the slightly shorter name of Satmex-7, the Eutelsat 115 West B satellite will be located at 114.9° West. Its location will extend Eutelsat’s satellite coverage from Alaska and Canada down to South America, with particularly unique coverage over the Galapagos and Easter Island. Equipped with 12 C-band and 34 Ku-band transponders, the satellite will be used by ISPs, telecom operators, government agencies, media broadcasters and aeronautical and maritime interests.
This won’t be the only Eutelsat launch of the year. Being delivered by another Falcon 9 later this year, the Eutelsat 117 West B will lift off from Cape Canveral with another ABS satellite, further expanding the communications coverage of the globe that Eutelsat are providing.
You can watch the launch on the SpaceX webcast, and learn more about the launch itself by checking out my preview post.