hotbird 13 f

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Eutelsat Hotbird 13F telecommunications satellite in the mechanical test facility

The first satellite to be built under ESA’s Eurostar Neo programme has completed mechanical tests designed to demonstrate its ability to withstand the vibration that occurs during launch.

The satellite – called Eutelsat Hotbird 13F – is one of an identical pair developed by satellite manufacturer Airbus for satellite operator Eutelsat in an ESA Partnership Project.

The two satellites will reinforce and enhance the broadcast of more than a thousand television channels into homes across Europe, Northern Africa and the Middle East after they are launched later this year, replacing three older satellites currently in geostationary orbit.

The mechanical tests were conducted by Airbus at its Astrolabe facilities in Toulouse, where the satellites earlier underwent thermal vacuum tests designed to demonstrate their ability to withstand the vacuum and extreme temperatures experienced in space. Experts from Airbus, ESA and Eutelsat supervised the tests.

The satellites are now in their flight configuration and will undergo thorough verification sequences before being prepared for launch.

source: ESA

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