[SatNews] The HISPASAT Group today launches its new communications satellite, the Amazonas 4A, from the European Space Agency base at Kourou, French Guiana—the launch window is between 23.04 and 00.02, Spanish time.

The launch vehicle charged with placing Amazonas 4A in its transfer orbit is the Ariane 5 ECA. From there, the satellite will head towards the geostationary orbit selected to carry out the tests to verify its correct post-launch functioning, where it will remain for several weeks. Once this period is over, the satellite will be placed in its definitive geostationary orbit. The Amazonas 4A was built by Orbital Sciences Corporation of the U.S., with involvement by the Spanish aerospace industry.

Artistic rendition of the Amazonas 4A satellite.

During its 15 years of useful life and with its 24 transponders in the Ku band, the Group´s new satellite will widen its offer of audiovisual services in Latin America.

The HISPASAT Group is composed of companies with a foothold in Spain as well as in Latin America, where its Brazilian affiliate HISPAMAR, sells its services. The Group is a leading Spanish- and Portuguese-language content broadcaster and distributor, including DTH and HDTV digital platforms. HISPASAT is one of the world's largest companies in terms of revenue in its sector, and the main communications bridge between Europe and the Americas.

For further information, please visit the Hispasat infosite at http://www.hispasat.com/