Brazilian operator Embratel-Star One and U.S. satellite manufacturer Space Systems/Loral have chosen Arianespace to launch the Embratel-Star One D1 satellite.
Arianespace announced today the signature of a launch contract for the Embratel-Star One D1 satellite for Brazilian operator Star One, a subsidiary of Embratel. Star One D1 will be launched by an Ariane 5 rocket from the Guiana Space Center, Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, in 2016.
11th launch for Embratel-Star One
Star One D1 is the 11th Embratel-Star One satellite to choose an Ariane launch, following six Brasilsat satellites and Star One C1, C2, C3 and C4. Embratel-Star One is the largest regional satellite services operator in Latin America.
Built by Space Systems/Loral in Palo Alto, California using an SSL 1300 platform, Star One D1 will weigh 6,000 kg at launch. It will be positioned in geostationary orbit at 84 degrees West. Equipped with Ku and C-band transponders, it will deliver telecommunications and direct-to-home TV broadcast services in South America and North America. It is the first Star One satellite to be fitted with Ka-band transponders for broadband services.
This latest contract confirms Arianespace’s leadership in the Brazilian market and its position as the global benchmark in launch services. Nine satellites have already been successfully launched for Embratel/Star One and a tenth one is in our backlog. Embratel-Star One D1, the 11th contract, confirms the excellent relationship between Arianespace and Brazil.
Following the signature of the launch contract, Arianespace Chairman and CEO Stephane Israel said: “We are especially proud of this opportunity to once again work with Embratel, following the successful launches of the Brasilsat and Star One satellites. We would like to thank both Embratel-Star One and Space Systems/Loral for continuing to place their trust in us. We are also delighted to be teaming up again with Space Systems/Loral.”
About Star One
Star One, a subsidiary of Embratel, is the largest satellite operator in Latin America. The company was founded in December 2000, and has a fleet of seven satellites. It operates four GEO satellites (Star One C1, C2, C3, and BRASILSAT B4), and two in inclined orbit (BRASILSAT B2 and B3), with a main ground station located in Guaratiba (Rio de Janeiro – Brazil). The Star One C3 together with the C1, C2 and C12 are the third and newest generation of satellites now. The Star One D1 will be the first satellite of the fourth generation. The capacity of these satellites shall support a range of solutions to customers in the telephony, TV, pay TV, data, broadband, Internet and corporate networks. For more information, visit www.starone.com.br.
About Arianespace
Arianespace is the world’s leading satellite launch company, delivering innovation to its customers since 1980. Backed by 21 shareholders and the European Space Agency, the company offers an international workforce renowned for a culture of commitment and excellence. As of September 9, 2013, Arianespace had carried out a total of 215 Ariane launches, 31 Soyuz launches (five at the Guiana Space Center and 26 at Baikonur via Starsem) and two Vega launches. Arianespace has a backlog of 19 Ariane 5, 10 Soyuz and four Vega launches, equaling three years of business.
