The new communications satellite was launched on an Ariane 5 rocket on the night of September 7-8 (at 0:45 Moscow time) from
The Eutelsat Konnect VHTS satellite weighs 6.5 tons (99%rocket payload), and its height is 8.8 m, which is approximately the same as a three-story house. The new satellite is reported to provide 500 Gbps of Ka-band bandwidth. In addition, it is equipped with the most powerful processor ever put into orbit. It is needed for flexible bandwidth allocation.
The Ariane 5 rocket before launch (left) and the communications satellite before loading (right). Images: ESA, CNES, Arianespace, Optique video du CSG, P Baudon, P Piron
After launch, the satellite was launched by a rocket tosubsynchronous transfer orbit. This highly elliptical trajectory, which either approaches the Earth at 250 km, or recedes to a distance of 60,000 km with an inclination of 3.5°. With the help of its own propulsion modules, the satellite will leave this orbit for a geostationary orbit located at an altitude of about 36,000 km above the Earth.
The main purpose of the new satellite isprovide high-speed Internet in remote regions of Europe. ESA says that once it enters geostationary orbit, the satellite will be subjected to further tests before entering commercial service with Eutelsat.
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On the cover: the launch of the Ariane 5 rocket. Photo: ESA