The satellite, Star One C4, deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana
Space Systems/Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that a satellite designed and built for Embratel Star One, was launched and is successfully performing post-launch manoeuvres according to plan. The satellite, Star One C4, deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. It will begin firing its main thruster later today in order to propel it toward its final geosynchronous orbit. The launch marks the 50th SSL mission with Arianespace.
Yesterday we achieved two important milestones for SSL, said John Celli, president of SSL. We celebrated the success of our first satellite for Embratel Star One and our 50th launch with Arianespace. Building and launching a satellite like Star One C4 takes close teamwork and collaboration and many long hours of hard work. Id like to thank and congratulate both Embratel Star One and Arianespace and to extend my wishes for many more successes together.
Star One C4 features 48 Ku-band transponders, which will be used for Broadcast Satellite Services from its orbital slot at 70 West longitude. The satellite will provide Direct-To-Home television service in Brazil and will expand Embratel Star Ones broadcasting services to other Latin American countries and to the United States.
Star One C4 is an important satellite, because it expands our position as a regional satellite operator, said Gustavo Silbert, president of Embratel Star One. We are pleased that the satellite is safely on orbit and we look forward to providing our exceptional service to a broader range of customers.
Star One C4 is based on the highly reliable SSL 1300 platform, which provides high-power and the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. The satellite is designed to provide service for 15 years or more. With this launch, there are 79 SSL-built GEO satellites currently on orbit.
SSL is also building a second satellite for Embratel Star One, which will be launched in 2016. Star One D1 is a multi-mission satellite that includes a high throughput satellite (HTS) payload and will be used for telecommunications, television broadcast, broadband, Internet access and other services such as digital inclusion in Brazil and in the Latin American region.
