Hellas Sat 3 successfully launched

Hellas Sat 3 has been lofted into space on an Ariane 5 launcher from French Guiana.

Arabsat-owned Hellas Sat’s satellite is the second from the operator to be orbited by Arianespace. It will expand the company’s business reach by providing DTH broadcast and telecommunications services, as well as the distribution of high-definition and ultra-high definition (UHD) video content in Europe, the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa.

These fixed satellite services and broadcast satellite services will include a cross-strap service between Europe and South Africa.

Arianespace has another Hellas Sat satellite – Hellas Sat 4 – in its order book. This spacecraft will further increase the operator’s service availability.

The Ariane 5 launch from Kourou also carried Inmarsat S EAN, a satellite set to be part of 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 EAN (European Aviation Network), which will commence commercial services in the second half of 2017, will deliver inflight WiFi services for Europe’s airlines.

The International Airlines Group (IAG), is confirmed as the launch customer for the new service.  IAG has begun equipping its aircraft and aims to have 90% of its short haul fleet complete by early 2019.