The HISPASAT Group and the technology multinational Indra signed the contract for the provision of the ground control segment of the fleet´s new satellite, the Amazonas 4A, which is planned to be launched into orbit in 2014.

Carlos Espinós, CEO of HISPASAT and Carlos Suárez, General Director of Defense and Space of Indra attended the signing ceremony. The ground segment consists of the elements that allow the control and operation of the satellites from the time they are placed in orbit until the end of their lifespan. They include ground stations, and baseband and communications equipment, among others.

The contract with Indra includes the provision of new equipment needed for the control of the new Amazonas 4A satellite, as well as the validation and verification tests needed prior to entering into operation as well as engineering support during the six months that follow. The contract also includes the support needed during the launch and orbit placement phase, as well as during in-orbit testing (IOT).

The main satellite control centres of the HISPASAT Group are located in Arganda del Rey (Madrid), Río de Janeiro and the Canary Islands. The greatest responsibility for the control of the Amazonas fleet which is located at the Brazilian orbital position of 61º West lies with the Guaratiba centre, in Río de Janeiro.