Eutelsat signs Thales deal for W6A

Eutelsat has signed a deal with satellite manufacturer Thales Alenia Space to construct a new satellite, W6A.

Eutelsat said W6A’s 40 Ku-band transponders will double capacity at 21.5° East. Scheduled for launch in the third quarter of 2012, the satellite will replace Eutelsat’s W6 to provide professional video and government services across Europe, north Africa, the Middle East and central Asia.