SpaceX successfully launched Eutelsat’s latest geostationary satellite, Eutelsat 36D, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 30. The satellite, based on the Airbus Eurostar Neo platform, is equipped with 70 physical Ku-band transponders and is set to replace the aging Eutelsat 36B satellite. Eutelsat 36D will provide TV and government connectivity services from 36 degrees East.
Eva Berneke, the CEO of Eutelsat, announced that the satellite is on track to start commercial services in the second half of 2024. The rocket’s first stage landed successfully on a droneship in the Atlantic Ocean post-launch, marking the 273rd time SpaceX has reused a Falcon 9 booster. This launch also marked SpaceX’s 30th mission of the year.
In addition to launching Eutelsat 36D, SpaceX also launched a batch of satellites for its Starlink broadband constellation from a nearby pad at the Cape on the same day. Eutelsat now operates a network of more than 600 LEO satellites after acquiring OneWeb last year and expects to have completed 90% of the ground network OneWeb needs for full global services by the end of June.
The multi-orbit capabilities of Eutelsat will give it an edge over other single-orbit constellations, offering extra network redundancy and flexibility for enterprise and government customers. This successful launch further solidifies SpaceX’s position as a leader in the satellite launch industry.
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