Eutelsat W7 successfully launched

Eutelsat’s W7 satellite has been successfully launched into orbit onboard a Proton rocket supplied by International Launch Services.

The satellite, which will be positioned at the 36° East position, will support expansion of pay-TV in Russia and Africa, as well as data and telecom services across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. W7, which carries 70 transponders across five fixed and steerable beams, will allow the existing Sesat 1 satellite to be redployed to another position.

Eutelsat plans to launch four further satellites between now and 2011, following this year’s launch of Hot Bird 9, Atlantic Bird 4A and W2.