Vega 5 lifts off for Flight VA238. Photo: Arianespace.

Arianespace has successfully orbited the Hellas Sat 3-Inmarsat S EAN condosat, composed of two payloads for operators Hellas Sat and Inmarsat, as well as the GSAT 17 satellite for the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). The launch took place on Wednesday, June 28, from the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana.

With this seventh launch of the year, and the fourth by Ariane 5 in 2017, Arianespace marked its 80th successful consecutive launch.

The Hellas Sat 3 payload, the second for the operator Hellas Sat and the first to be orbited by Arianespace, will expand the company’s business reach by providing Direct-to-Home (DTH) TV broadcast and telecommunications services, as well as the distribution of High Definition (HD) and Ultra-HD video content in Europe, the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa. These Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) and Broadcast Satellite Services (BSS) will include a cross-strap service between Europe and South Africa. Arianespace also has another Hellas Sat satellite, Hellas Sat 4, in its order book.

Inmarsat S EAN is the ninth payload Arianespace has orbited for Inmarsat. The payload comprises the space segment of a new hybrid system, integrating satellite-based services with a complementary ground network developed by Inmarsat’s strategic partner Deutsche Telekom. The European Aviation Network (EAN), which will commence commercial services in the second half of 2017, will deliver in-flight Wi-Fi service for Europe’s airlines and their passengers.

GSAT 17 is the 21st satellite Arianespace has orbited for ISRO. Arianespace has won nearly 90 percent of all Indian Geostationary (GEO) satellite launch contracts open to competitive bidding. GSAT 17 will join ISRO’s fleet of 17 operational telecommunications satellites and will provide both fixed and mobile satellite services, and also handle data transmission and Search and Rescue (SAR) services.

It carries on ISRO’s mission of using space to support the development of the Indian sub-continent by launching satellites of all types (Earth observation, telecommunications, educational program broadcasting, science, navigation, etc.).