Saab Ericsson Space wins frequency converter orders from EADS Astrium for two new EUTELSAT satellites

Saab Ericsson Space AB in Gothenburg, Sweden, has received orders for Ku-band payload frequency converters for the W2M and HOT BIRD 9 satellites being built by EADS Astrium.

“Once again we are recognized as a leading supplier of highly qualified microwave electronics. International competition is fierce and we can obviously offer more than attractive price and state-of-the art technical solutions”, says Bengt Mörtberg, president and CEO of Saab Ericsson Space.

The orders for the W2M and HOT BIRD 9 combined are for more than 50 frequency converters of several different types.

Frequency converters of similar types have also been supplied to Boeing Satellite Systems, Lockheed Martin and to other EADS Astrium satellites like Amazonas and Intelsat-X.

The W2M satellite will be built under a new joint-venture. EADS Astrium, as prime contractor, will manufacture the satellite’s communication payload and deliver the satellite to the operator EUTELSAT, while ANTRIX, a part of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), will supply the satellite platform and integrate and test the spacecraft.

The 3 ton W2M satellite, when placed on geostationary orbit at an orbital position of the W series of satellites operated by Eutelsat, will provide capacity for services ranging from television broadcasting to data networks and broadband services over Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The satellite will have a steerable antenna which can be re-oriented in orbit according to market requirements and notably towards Africa and central Asia. The satellite will have in excess of 5 kW of solar array power at end of life and will operate typically 26 transponders and up to 32 depending on operational modes. Launch is scheduled for the second Quarter of 2008.

HOT BIRD 9 will be based on the EADS Astrium Eurostar E3000 platform and will have a similar design to HOT BIRD 8, soon to be launched. The satellite will be placed at 13 degrees east and will back up capacity and increase flexibility in that position. The 5 ton satellite will operate up to 64 transponders in Ku-band at a payload power of 11 kW for video distribution and Direct-To-Home TV services. The HOT BIRD 9 satellite will be delivered for launch in the third Quarter of 2008.

Frequency converters and receivers are one of Saab Ericsson Space’s key products. Since the 1980s, the company has delivered to both commercial and institutional programs in a range of frequencies from UHF to Ka band and for applications in fixed or broadcasting services, mobile communication and multimedia.

Saab Ericsson Space is an international, independent supplier of space equipment. The company’s main products are computers, microwave electronics and antennas for spacecraft and adapters and separation systems for launchers. The company has its headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, a division located in Linköping, Sweden, and subsidiaries in Austria (Austrian Aerospace) and the USA (Saab Ericsson Space Inc). Saab Ericsson Space has approximately 530 employees. The company is jointly owned by Saab and Ericsson.



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