The Eutelsat 3D telecommunications satellite was successfully launched by ILS from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, using a Proton launch vehicle. Thales Alenia Space is the program prime contractor on behalf of Eutelsat Communications, one of the world's leading providers of fixed satellite services (FSS).

The Eutelsat 3D design allows it to operate from several orbital positions, increasing the flexibility of Eutelsat's orbital resources and bolstering its redundancy. Initially positioned at 3 degrees East, the satellite will operate from this slot until the arrival of Eutelsat 3B in 2014, and will then be moved to 7 degrees East.

Eutelsat 3D offers a wide footprint, including Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. This new satellite will enable Eutelsat Communications to provide services in Ku and Ka band to leading operators of professional video networks, data networks and broadband Internet for businesses.

Based on the Spacebus 4000 platform Eutelsat 3D weighed 5,400 kg at launch. It offers a design life exceeding 15 years, and is the 22nd Spacebus satellite built by Thales Alenia Space for Eutelsat.

"This successful launch was a shared effort along with Eutelsat Communications and ILS," said Jean-Loic Galle, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space.

"Together with Eutelsat, we are now carrying out the orbital positioning operations and in-orbit tests, with the satellite's service entry expected next month.

"We are deploying the full sum of our expertise to support Eutelsat's growth. Eutelsat is one of our long-standing customers, with whom we have worked for over 35 years, and we would be delighted to team up on their coming programs."