[SatNews] Although the satellite has not launched, expectations are high and contracts are being signed...

Hughes do Brasil, Hughes Network Systems’ Brazilian operating company, has signed a long term contract for capacity on Telesat’s Telstar 14 satellite to serve Brazil. A transition to Telstar 14R will occur when the new satellite is operational. Telstar 14 is a Ku-band spacecraft with a strong customer base operating from a highly desirable orbital location at 63 degrees West that provides service throughout the Americas and Atlantic Ocean Region. Its replacement, Telstar 14R/Estrela do Sul 2, is scheduled to launch May 21, 2011 (May 20th in the Americas). Telstar 14R is a state-of-the-art satellite that will offer customers important advantages relative to Telstar 14, including significant additional capacity, improved geographic coverage and higher power.