SS/L delivers Hispasat Amazonas 3 Ka-band satellite early

Satellite manufactuer Space Systems/Loral (SSL) reported the successful shipment of Amazonas 3, the multi-mission Ka-band satellite it designed and built for Hispasat, to the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

Amazonas 3 carries a payload of 9 Ka-band spot beam, 33 Ku-band transponders, and 19 of the legacy C-band transponders. Completed and delivered ahead of schedule by SS/L, it is set for launch aboard an Ariane 5 rocket for service in the 61 degrees West longitude orbital slot.

The SS/L-built satellite will deploy the first Ka-band payload in Latin America that is dedicated to broadband service. Amazonas 3 will deliver satellite broadband, corporate fixed and mobile telephone networks, direct-to-home (DTH)&nbsp television, and numerous other telecommunications services through the Americas as well as Europe and North Africa.

Hispasat commissioned Amazonas 3 from SS/L to serve as the primary bridge of communications between the American and European continents. The broadband payload of the Ka-band satellite promises to trigger innovation and growth across Latin America once it enters operation. 

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GVF Ka Rountable Assembly 2012 confirms need for HTS, Ka-band satelites

The Global VSAT Forum recently wrapped up its Ka Roundtable Assembly 2012 in London. The GVF's first industry roundtable event lasted for three days and tackled the need for Ka-band and High Throughput Satellites (HTS).

Nearly 100 influential people in the satellite industry attended Ka Roundtable Assembly 2012. Several roundtable sessions discussed the emergence of HTS with specific interest in the new Ka-band.

According to the discussions, the satellite industry is experiencing a series of developments that will eventually elevate satellite connectivity to a mainstream offering. Users are now demanding HTS and Ka-band connectivity. Satellite service providers have responded by innovating technologies used in its space and ground segments that can provide higher amounts of bandwidth.

HTS can provide plenty of bandwidth at cheaper cost. It also allows the use of smaller terminals in conjunction with advancing technologies.

In addition, Ka-band satellite connectivity has been confirmed to be a viable option despite issues concerning spectrum and rain fade. Technological innovations in the industry are expected to reduce rain fade, enable higher data rates, and permit service providers to extend improved service level agreements to customers worldwide.