Eutelsat readies 21B for launch

Eutelsat’s 21B satellite has arrived in Kourou, French Guiana, ahead of its planned launch on November 9. Lift-off is scheduled from 22:05 CET.

The 40-transponder Ku-band satellite will occupy the 21.5° East position developed by Eutelsat since 1999, covering Europe, north Africa, the Middle East and central Asia. Eutelsat said the deployment will enable it to boost capacity at this location by almost 50%. Eutelsat’s newest satellite will replace Eutelsat 21A, which will subsequently be redeployed to another location for continued commercial service.