Hispasat selects ILS and SpaceX for 2017 satellite launches

Hispasat’s control centre

Spanish satellite operator Hispasat has signed deals with launch service providers ILS and SpaceX to put its Amazonas 5 and Hispasat 1F satellites into orbit.

Both satellites will launch in 2017, with Hispasat claiming that they mark “an important step for Hispasat Group” in its strategy for growth and expansion – which started with the launch of the Amazonas 3 satellite in 2013.

Hispasat 1F will be located at the 30° West orbital position. It will replace Hispasat 1D and provide the group with additional Ku-band capacity for the Andes and Brazil. It will also increase the Group’s connectivity between Europe and America.

Amazonas 5 will be located at 61°W and will mainly meet the growing satellite capacity demand for TV platforms in Latin America and Brazil.

Hispasat previously collaborated with ILS for the launch of Amazonas 1 in 2004, and will work with SpaceX and its Falcon 9 vehicle for the first time.