SGDC satellite contract signing in the presence of French and Brazilian presidents Hollande and Rousseff. Photo: Arianespace

[Via Satellite 12-16-13] Arianespace and Visiona Tecnologia Espacial have signed a launch contract for the next Brazilian government satellite, the Geostationary Defense and Strategic Communications Satellite (SGDC). The satellite will be launched in 2016 using an Ariane 5 rocket from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana.

Visiona Tecnologia Espacial is a joint venture between Telebras Telecomunicaçoes Brasileiras and Embraer Defense and Security. The SGDC satellite will be dedicated to strategic communications for the Brazilian Ministry of Defense, and broadband services for the Ministry of Telecommunications.

Thales Alenia Space is building the satellite, which will weigh more than 5,800 kg at launch, and have a design life of more than 15 years. Fitted with X- and Ka-band transponders, the satellite will provide both civil and military telecommunications services from its orbital position at 75 degrees west. The five X-band transponders will cover all of South America and neighboring maritime routes.

SGDC will be the 12th satellite orbited by Arianespace for Brazilian telecommunications operators.