One of the W2M’s solar panels begins its extension process in the Spaceport’s S3 clean room facility.  The W2M solar arrays will contribute to the satellite’s 6.6 kW total power (at end of life), enabling it to simultaneously operate 26 transponders in Ku-band, and up to 32 depending on the functional modes. 

The solar panel reaches its mid-point in the deployment sequence.  Developed by a European-Indian alliance of EADS Astrium and ANTRIX (the commercial arm of ISRO – the Indian Space Research Organisation), W2M will have a span of 15.7 meters when its solar panels are fully extended in orbit.

This image shows the solar panel at the completion of its deployment test.  The panel is supported by an overhead suspension system to simulate the near zero gravity conditions in orbit, where the W2M’s panels will be deployed after its launch by Ariane 5.  Based on the ISRO I-3K satellite bus, W2M will have a liftoff mass of 3,460 kg. and will provide TV and radio broadcasting services.