
Arianespace has announced the signature of a launch services contract with Ovzon for the company’s first geostationary-orbiting telecommunications satellite: Ovzon-3. With offices in Sweden and the United States, Ovzon is dedicated to meeting the demand for increased mobile broadband connectivity in underserved regions. Ovzon-3 will have a mass at liftoff of approximately 1,500 kg. and will be placed in geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 5 launch vehicle in 2021 from the Guiana Space Center – Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana (South America). As an innovative small geostationary satellite, Ovzon-3 will feature multiple high-performance steerable beams to meet challenging communication requirements. In addition, the proprietary on-board processor developed by Ovzon enables such new functionalities as single-hop communications between very small terminals, reduced latency and more efficient use of the bandwidth. The next generation Ovzon service is based on complete end-to-end proprietary components and patented technology. Ovzon-3 will significantly increase service performance, lead to new types of services, enable the use of even smaller terminals, expand coverage areas and increase the amount of available bandwidth. As a result, Ovzon is to offer a revolutionary mobile broadband service via satellite that combines high bandwidth satellite communications services with highly mobile terminals. Ovzon selected Maxar Technologies to build the satellite, using Maxar’s mid-size SSL-500 spacecraft platform. Following the contract signature, Magnus René, CEO of Ovzon AB said: “Arianespace has won our confidence to serve Ovzon for this first launch. Ovzon 3 is an important first step towards fulfilling our strategy to revolutionize mobile broadband by satellite, offering the highest bandwidth with the smallest terminals. Ovzon 3 is the first of a number of satellites planned for global coverage of our high-end service. We are happy to engage Arianespace and Ariane 5, both synonymous with reliability and excellence for our important first launch.” Stéphane Israël, Chief Executive Officer of Arianespace, added: “We are pleased and honored that Ovzon has entrusted Arianespace with the launch of its first satellite. The mobile broadband connectivity services to be offered with Ovzon-3 are particularly innovative. Ariane 5 will be at the ready for this mission, once again confirming its role as the champion for launches toward geostationary orbit.” [if !supportLineBreakNewLine] [endif]