Credit: Arianespace
A new satellite, which can be reconfigured while in orbit, has been successfully launched by Arianespace.
Eutelsat Quantum took off at 9 pm GMT on July 30 aboard the Ariane 5 rocket from the Giana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana.
Created by Airbus Defense and Space, Eutelsat Quantum’s reprogrammable features, which can actively define and shape efficiency, will be of particular benefit to government and mobile markets.
ESA and the UK Space Agency have supported the development of key technologies integrated into Eutelsat Quantum, in a public-private partnership between ESA, Eutelsat and Airbus Defense and Space.
Commenting on the agreement, Pascal Homsey, Eutelsat’s CTO, said: “The collaboration between Eutelsat, ESA, the UK Space Agency and Airbus Defense and Space on this ambitious satellite program has led to the world’s first. Eutelsat Quantum will provide services with unprecedented in-orbit tuning in coverage, frequency and power, allowing for a complete reconstruction of the mission, at any orbital position. This is a testament to the innovative spirit and experience of the European space industry. “
Eutelsat Quantum will be located 48 degrees east and should be operational in the fourth quarter of 2021.