The Star One C4 satellite. Photo: SSL

[Via Satellite 05-26-2015] The first of two new satellites for Brazilian satellite operator Embratel Star One, the Star One C4 satellite, has reached the European spaceport in Kourou French Guiana where it will be prepared for a launch aboard an Ariane 5 rocket. Built by SSL on the SSL 1300 platform, Star One C4 carries 48 transponders (signal receivers and transmitters) in Ku-band. The satellite is designed to triple the current capacity available from the 70 degrees west orbital location where it will be located. According to Embratel Star One, around 22 to 25 million parabolic antennas will be pointed in its direction.

“The new satellite will reinforce our [Direct-to-Home] DTH services in Brazil while expanding access to other Latin American countries and to the mainland United States,” said Gustavo Silbert, president of Embratel Star One.

Currently Embratel Star One owns a fleet of seven satellites. Star One C4 rounds out the company’s third-generation of satellites, which includes of the C1, C2, C3 and C12 spacecraft. SSL is also building the operator’s first fourth-generation satellite, Star One D1, which is scheduled for launch in 2016 as well.