Avanti celebrates launch of HYLAS 4 satellite

Satellite operator Avanti Communications Group announced the successful launch of HYLAS 4 on Friday, which occurred from Kourou, French Guiana on Ariane flight VA242 on 5 April.

The AIM-traded firm said the Ariane 5 rocket launched HYLAS 4 into the correct orbit on schedule.

HYLAS 4 reportedly successfully separated from the Ariane 5 on time, and telemetry was received by the control centre at the European Spaceport.

“I'm pleased to announce HYLAS 4 has been successfully launched and is operating under our control,” said Avanti’s chief technology officer David Bestwick.

“The satellite will undertake a series of pre-planned in orbit acceptance tests over the coming months before we commence service for customers.”

Bestwick said HYLAS 4 would set a new standard of affordability, quality and flexibility to internet service providers, mobile network operators, governments and other satellite operators.

“The high throughput satellite has 64 Ka-band spot beams that complement our existing coverage across Europe, East and Southern Africa, as well as providing new capacity across West and Central Africa.

“Furthermore, HYLAS 4 has four steerable beams which can provide highly flexible capacity across Africa and Latin America.”