Built by Space Systems/Loral, Hispasat 1E was delivered to French Guiana by a chartered Antonov An-124 cargo jetliner, and the satellite is now undergoing its initial pre-launch checkout process in the Spaceport’s payload preparation facilities.

This spacecraft will be orbited with KOREASAT 6 on Arianespace’s year-ending Ariane 5 mission, which is scheduled for December 21.

Hispasat 1E is a powerful, state-of-the-art Ku-band spacecraft for Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) and Broadcast Satellite Services (BSS).   It is designed to provide high-quality capacity for HISPASAT’s new initiatives, which include direct to home television; digital terrestrial television; value-added broadband services in mobile, land and maritime environments; and high-definition television.

After its deployment by Ariane 5, Hispasat 1E is to be positioned at 30 deg. West longitude, where it will expand coverage over Europe, the Americas, and North Africa.