MUMBAI: Eutelsat Communications’ new multi-mission satellite - Eutelsat 65 West A is on track for launch on 9 March by an Ariane rocket. Lift-off of the 6.5 tonne satellite is scheduled on 9 March at 02:22 local time (05:22 GMT, 06:22 CET).

Built by Space Systems Loral (SSL) in California, Eutelsat 65 West A is a tri-band satellite designed to target fast-growing markets across Latin America. Its high-power Ku-band payload will enable DTH reception of digital and HD channels across Brazil with 60cm antennas and facilitate corporate connectivity in Central America, the Caribbean and the Andean region. Eutelsat 65 West A also features a transatlantic C-band coverage for cross-continental video contribution and distribution and a multi-spotbeam Ka-band payload that will promote broadband access across Latin America, notably Brazil.

Premier coverage of Brazil ahead of Rio Olympics: Eutelsat 65 West A will be located at 65° west, a premier position for the Brazilian TV market. The satellite will reach geostationary orbit ahead of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, providing a unique solution for live TV transmissions from Brazil to Latin America and Europe and further afield via Eutelsat’s global fleet.

High throughput payload for broadband in Latin America: Eutelsat 65 West A will also deliver flexible high throughput coverage of Latin America to address growing demand for connectivity. The Brazilian Ka-band payload is already fully booked, selected by Hughes Network Systems do Brasil (Hughes) as its springboard for mass market broadband services.

Eutelsat 65 West A is another step strengthening Eutelsat’s position as an operator of reference across the Americas. Coverage was bolstered in 2015 by the launch of Eutelsat 115 West B and will be further consolidated later this year by Eutelsat 117 West B.