Telenor selects Arianespace

Telenor Satellite Broadcasting has selected Arianespace as its launch partner for Thor 7.

The satellite will be launched from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Built by Space Systems/Loral, Thor 7 will be based on the 1300 series platform and fitted with two payloads. The satellite will be equipped with 11 Ku-band transponders providing dedicated capacity for broadcast services in central and eastern Europe. The Ka-band payload will be used to provide broadband communications for the maritime industry and will include spot beams over the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, Red Sea, Baltic Sea, the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean.