Satellite operators Eutelsat Communications announced the successful mating of the platform and payload of the KONNECT satellite, which took place this week at the Thales Alenia Space facility in Cannes
This operation is an important step in the construction of the satellite, in preparation for its launch by the end of this year.
KONNECT is a high-performance satellite of the next generation with unprecedented operational flexibility. With a mass of 3.5 metric tonnes, this all-electric satellite, the first to use the new Spacebus Neo platform of Thales Alenia Space, will provide 75 Gbps of capacity covering Western Europe and Africa.
With the ability to provide a large-scale service to meet demand on both continents, KONNECT is a major pillar of Eutelsat’s strategy of returning to growth, enabling the company to strengthen its presence in the fast-growing broadband market.
On a broader scale, this satellite programme supports the Group’s ambition to contribute to reducing the digital divide in order to build a more inclusive digital society.
By leveraging existing satellite resources, Eutelsat strives to achieve this ambition and sets the stage for the arrival of this satellite by launching new broadband services in these regions, such as in several African countries in recent months.
Yohann Leroy, deputy CEO and chief technical officer of Eutelsat, said, “This mating operation represents a key step in this significant satellite programme; one that will enable to deliver high-speed broadband services at affordable prices, with a view to complementing terrestrial networks in Western Europe but also in Africa where the drive to increase Internet penetration is a key priority.”
