On November 24, 2009, Eutelsat W7 satellite was lofted into orbit by an ILS Proton Breeze M rocket. The new satellite will expand pay-TV in Russia and Africa. It will help build out the expansion of data activity across a broad area of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia.
Based on the Spacebus 4000C4 design, W7 was built for Eutelsat by Thales Alenia Space. The satellite's apogee motor will be fired three times over the coming five days to circularise its orbit and solar panels and antennas will be fully deployed by the beginning of next week. After an extensive round of in-orbit tests, the satellite will be commercially available at 36 degrees East in early January 2010.
Colocated with W4, Eutelsat's new satellite will double resources at the 36 degrees East location. Through a configuration of up to seventy transponders connected to five high-performance fixed and steerable beams. The satellite will enhance service provided since 2000 by SESAT 1, which will be redeployed at an alternative location following W7's entry into service at 36 degrees East and transfer of traffic.