Eutelsat 9B. Photo: Airbus Defense & Space

[Via Satellite 02-16-2014] Eutelsat Communications has selected International Launch Services (ILS) to launch the Eutelsat 9B satellite in 2015.

Eutelsat 9B is a high-capacity Ku-band satellite based on a Eurostar E3000 platform that will provide new resources and improved performance for broadcasting at its 9 degrees East location in Europe. It will also host European Data Relay Satellite System’s first data relay payload through a public-private partnership between Airbus Space Systems (formerly Astrium) and the European Space Agency (ESA). The EDRS system of telecommunication satellites will allow for high quality, bi-directional data relay communications between orbiting satellites and associated ground segments.

“ILS and Khrunichev have maintained a flawless track record of success for Eutelsat since our first Proton flight in 2000,” said Michel de Rosen, Eutelsat chairman and CEO. “We are confident that the performance of the Proton launcher will continue to support the expansion of our fleet.”