Eutelsat 7C rendering. Photo: SSL

[Via Satellite 03-22-2016] Space Systems Loral (SSL) has received a broadcast satellite order from Eutelsat Communications for a Ku-band all-electric spacecraft.

Called Eutelsat 7C, the new satellite will be located at the operator’s 7 degrees east position to serve markets in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Turkey.

Eutelsat 7C will carry 44 transponders total, mainly for broadcast services, but also with a beam for government services over Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia. The satellite will also support a steerable beam for flexible coverage.

Eutelsat 7C is the Eutelsat’s fifth all-electric satellite, enabling the company to reduce launch mass while retaining payload performance. SSL is building the satellite on the SSL 1300 platform. Eutelsat 7C represents SSL’s third satellite contract from Eutelsat. The satellite is planned for launch in the third quarter of 2018, where it will collocate with Eutelsat 7B, releasing Eutelsat 7A to another orbital location.