Successful entry into service of the multi-mission EUTELSAT 10B satellite

Successful entry into service of the multi-mission EUTELSAT 10B satellite
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Jul 26, 2023
Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) reports that its newest venture, the multi-mission high-capacity EUTELSAT 10B satellite, has entered service successfully at the 10 East orbital position. This achievement demonstrates Eutelsat's continuous effort to meet the growing demand for mobile connectivity.

The EUTELSAT 10B's dual High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) Ku-band payloads promise to provide substantial coverage across multiple regions. One payload serves the North Atlantic corridor, Europe, the Mediterranean basin, and the Middle East, aiming to deliver significant throughput in areas known for their high air and sea traffic. In contrast, the second payload expands the range to cover the Atlantic Ocean, Africa, and the Indian Ocean.

Several leading maritime and in-flight connectivity service providers have already secured firm multi-year capacity commitments with Eutelsat. Additionally, discussions are in advanced stages with other potential partners. Existing collaborators, such as Panasonic and Intelsat, will use the EUTELSAT 10B to offer mobile connectivity services to ships and airlines, ensuring both passengers and crews can stay connected in the air and at sea.

Moreover, the EUTELSAT 10B also supports Eutelsat ADVANCE services. This innovative initiative offers high-end connectivity to users beyond terrestrial networks, allowing them to enjoy a unique satellite network-as-a-service experience.

Cyril Dujardin, General Manager for the Connectivity Business Unit at Eutelsat, highlights the significance of the new satellite. "EUTELSAT 10B satellite will boost our global connectivity services with High Throughput capacity, to meet increasing in-flight and maritime demand," Dujardin said. "EUTELSAT 10B's Ku-band payload complements the Ka-band of the EUTELSAT KONNECT VHTS satellite, that will enter into service progressively in Autumn, reflecting our ability to serve our customers in both Ka- and Ku-bands with the best-in-class space assets. Moreover, this satellite brings innovative new resources that will be able to complement Eutelsat's GEO-LEO offering."

In addition to its HTS payloads, EUTELSAT 10B also carries two widebeam payloads in C-band and Ku-band, designed to ensure the continuation of video services currently provided by the EUTELSAT 10A satellite. Eutelsat has been operating this 10 East location since 1987, delivering unparalleled coverage of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa for video services. Long-standing clients such as Arqiva and Eurovision will gain from the newest resources and enhanced services at this location.

Laurence Delpy, General Manager for the Video Business Unit, shared her perspective on the new satellite. "With EUTELSAT 10B we are bringing the newest resources and enhanced services to 10 East, one of Eutelsat's long-standing, leading orbital locations and a key position for professional video networks. Satellite maintains an integral role in the media supply chain, particularly to support the live transmission of major news and sporting events. Our clients can look forward to an ever-better service with this powerful new satellite."

The EUTELSAT 10B is a top-notch all-electric satellite, equipped with a powerful 5th generation digital transparent processor. It offers flexibility in capacity allocation and optimal use of the spectrum. The satellite, constructed by Thales Alenia Space and based on the Spacebus NEO platform, was launched on 23 November 2022 from Cape Canaveral, Florida. EUTELSAT 10B, together with the forthcoming EUTELSAT KONNECT VHTS satellite, brings cutting-edge in-orbit assets to Eutelsat's fleet.