Eutelsat 115 West B orbit process. Photo: Eutelsat

[Via Satellite 09-28-2015] Eutelsat 115 West B, the first all-electric satellite of Eutelsat Communications’ global fleet, has completed the ascent to geostationary orbit and today began in-orbit tests. Eutelsat’s new satellite is scheduled to enter full commercial service in mid-October, one month ahead of schedule.

Eutelsat 115 West B is equipped with 24 C-band and 41.5 Ku-band equivalent transponders connected to beams covering Alaska, Canada, Mexico and South America. The satellite will allow Eutelsat to offer cost-effective solutions for clients providing services that include broadband access, cellular backhaul, VSAT solutions and social connectivity.

The all-electric Eutelsat 117 West B satellite, which will be located at 117 degrees west to boost capacity for Latin America broadcast markets, will follow the Eutelsat 115 West B satellite in early 2016. Eutelsat 65 West A, the third satellite in the expansion roadmap of Eutelsat Americas, is scheduled for launch in 2016 and will feature high-power coverage of Brazil and Latin America in C, Ku and Ka bands.