Star One C4 was designed and built by SSL for Embratel Star One, based on the SSL 1300 platform that provides high power and the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technological advances.

After its launch by Ariane 5 on Arianespace Flight VA224, the spacecraft will be positioned at 70 deg. West longitude for a service lifetime of 15 years or more. This is to place Star One C4 in a “hot spot” location for the relay of signals from major TV stations in Brazil, with 22-25 million parabolic antennas pointed in its direction.

Star One C4 features 48 Ku-band transponders and is to reinforce Embratel Star One’s direct-to-home services in Brazil, while expanding access to other Latin American countries and to the mainland United States.

July’s Ariane 5 mission will mark another dual-payload flight for Arianespace’s heavy-lift  workhorse, with Star One C4 being joined by the European MSG-4 meteorological satellite.