Arianespace launches Greek, Indian satellites
Details
Rebecca Hawkes
| 30 June 2017

Arianespace has marked its 80th consecutive Ariane 5 launch success after it placed in orbit India’s GSAT-17 satellite and the ‘condosat’ or dual payload of Hellas Sat 3-Inmarsat S European Aviation Network (EAN).

Greek satellite Hellas Sat 3, part of a fleet majority-owned by Arabsat, will provide direct-to-home (DTH) TV broadcast*and telecommunications services, as well as the distribution of high-definition (HD) and Ultra HD video content in Europe, the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa.

The Hellenic Space Organisation has retained a minority stake in the satellite operator HellasSat, after Greek telco OTE sold off its satellite arm to Arabsat in 2103 for €208 million.

Following the launch from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, the Greek Minister of Digital Policy, Communications and Media Nikos Pappas said: “With the establishment of the Hellenic Space Organisation and the expanded technological capabilities of Hellas Sat 3 our country is recovering from a field that has been abandoned for years. Today, we turn the page in Greece’s space policy. We are exploiting the possibilities offered by the existence of a satellite in the Greek orbital position both commercially and scientifically-research for commercial benefit and for the whole of the Greek society.”

The fixed satellite services (FSS) and broadcast satellite services (BSS) of Hellas Sat 3 will include a cross-strap service between Europe and South Africa. It will be positioned it geostationary orbit at 39 Degrees East. Meanwhile, the Inmarsat S EAN payload comprises the space segment of a new hybrid system, integrating satellite-based services with a ground network developed by Deutsche Telekom. When the service launches later this year, it expects to offer a seamless inflight Wi-Fi service for Europe’s airlines and their passengers.

GSAT-17 is the 21st satellite orbited by Arianespace for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It will provide both fixed and mobile satellite services, and also handle data transmission and search & rescue services. “Today’s launch was the 80th success in a row for Ariane 5*over a period of 14 years – an exceptional performance that anchors its position as the most reliable commercial launcher in the marketplace,” said Stéphane Israël, CEO of Arianespace.