Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) announces that its EUTELSAT 3B satellite is ready for launch by a Zenit-3SL rocket operated by Sea Launch AG from the ocean-based Odyssey Launch Platform in the international waters of the Pacific Ocean.
The launch is scheduled for 26 May at 14:10 Pacific Daylight Time (21:10 UTC, 23:10 CET) at the opening of a 54-minute launch window.

Built for Eutelsat by Airbus Defence and Space, EUTELSAT 3B is designed to increase and diversify Eutelsat’s resources and footprint at its 3° East orbital position. The first satellite to assemble Ku, C and Ka payloads in a single platform, it will operate up to 51 transponders. Its innovative tri-band configuration will enable customers to select from three frequency bands adapted to data, telecom, broadband and professional video services that are connected to a wide range of footprints covering Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and South America.

EUTELSAT 3B will replace the EUTELSAT 3D satellite that will continue full commercial service at another orbital location.

The launch will be a special event in Africa as the rocket’s fairing is decorated with an illustration by the 16-year old Kenyan student, Eva Chemngorem, who was one of the two winners of last year’s DStv Eutelsat Star Awards. Sponsored by MultiChoice Africa and Eutelsat, the DStv Eutelsat Star Awards is designed to spark interest in science learning by secondary and high school students across Africa. Entrants are invited to write an essay or design a poster on space technology that can support the development of the African continent.

See the winning poster on the rocket on: http://www.sealaunch.com/missions/11387/13525

The launch of EUTELSAT 3B will be videostreamed live on www.eutelsat.com.

Visit our Flickr page for pictures of EUTELSAT 3B getting ready for launch.

About Eutelsat Communications
Established in 1977, Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is one of the world’s leading and most experienced operators of communications satellites. The company provides capacity on 36 satellites to clients that include broadcasters and broadcasting associations, pay-TV operators, video, data and Internet service providers, enterprises and government agencies. Eutelsat’s satellites provide ubiquitous coverage of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia- Pacific and the Americas, enabling video, data, broadband and government communications to be established irrespective of a user’s location. Headquartered in Paris, with offices and teleports around the globe, Eutelsat represents a workforce of 1,000 men and women from 32 countries who are experts in their fields and work with clients to deliver the highest quality of service. For more about Eutelsat please visit www.eutelsat.com