Arianespace's Communications satellite operator Telenor Satellite Broadcasting (TSBc) has chosen Arianespace to launch its new satellite, THOR 7.

The THOR 7 satellite will be placed into geostationary transfer orbit by an Ariane 5 launcher. The launch is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2013 from the Guiana Space Center, Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

THOR 7 will be built by U.S. firm Space Systems/LORAL based on its SS/L 1300 platform. THOR 7 will have two payloads.

Equipped with 11 Ku-band transponders, the satellite will provide broadcast services for Central and Eastern Europe.

Its Ka-band payload will provide broadband communications service for the maritime industry, as well as spot beam coverage over the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, Red Sea, Baltic Sea, the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean. THOR 7 has an expected lifetime of 15 years.

This is the second satellite launched for Telenor by Arianespace, following the launch of THOR 6 in October 2009.

Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, said: "We are delighted to have been selected for the launch of this new Telenor satellite. Arianespace is especially proud to be working for a European operator, and we want to thank Telenor for their confidence. This latest contract is another sign of recognition for the quality and competiveness of our launch service and solutions."

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Related Links Arianespace Launch Pad at Space-Travel.com