An Ariane 5 rocket launched two new communications satellites into orbit on 20 June from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana
It carried payloads for two satellite operators: the T-16 satellite of AT&T (also known as DirecTV 16) and the Eutelsat 7C satellite for the Paris-based company Eutelsat Communications, according to a statement by European launch provider Arianespace.
The T-16 is the eleventh satellite launched by Arianespace for AT&T following SKY Mexico-1 and DirecTV 15 launched in May 2015 and SKY Brasil-1 launched in February 2017. The statement added that T-16 will provide high-power broadcast services covering the US, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
Eutelsat 7C is the 33rd satellite launched by Arianespace for Eutelsat Communications. The first, Eutelsat-1 F1, was launched in 1983. Like DirecTV 16, this payload is a high-power broadcast satellite but will serve markets in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Turkey.
According to Arianespace, Eutelsat 7C will help boost broadband coverage over sub-Saharan Africa, which will help accommodate the expanding TV market in the region.
“We look forward to putting it into service and continue building the momentum at this location,” said Yohann Leroy, Eutelsat’s deputy chief executive and chief technology officer.
