Avanti Communications Group plc has once again chosen Arianespace launch services, this time for its latest telecommunications satellite, Hylas 4.
Arianespace will launch Hylas 4 into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) during the first half of 2017, using an Ariane 5 ECA from the Guiana Space Center, Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
Hylas 4 will be the third Avanti Communications satellite to be launched by Arianespace.
Hylas 4 will be built by Orbital Sciences Corporation in Dulles, Virginia, using a Star-2 platform. It will weigh up to 4,000 kg at launch, and will provide direct TV broadcast and data transmission services to Africa, Latin America and Europe over an expected service life of 15 years.
“We are very honored to have been selected for this launch by Avanti Communications,” said Stéphane Israël, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace. “Their selection reflects the continuing partnership we have formed with this operator, following our launches of Hylas 1 in November 2010 and Hylas 2 in August 2012. Their choice of Arianespace clearly shows that our launch services continue to reflect the needs of our customers. We are also delighted to be working with OSC: Hylas 4 will be the 27th satellite built by Orbital Sciences to be launched by Arianespace.”
About Arianespace
Arianespace is the world’s leading satellite launch company, providing 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 8, 2014, 218 Ariane launches, 35 Soyuz launches (9 at the Guiana Space Centre and 26 at Baikonur with Starsem) and three Vega launches have been performed. The company’s headquarters is in Evry, near Paris, and has local offices in Washington DC (United States), Tokyo (Japan) and Singapore.
