HYLAS 1 Launch Success

29 November 2010

Avanti Communications (LSE: AVN), the broadband satellite operator, is delighted to announce the successful launch of HYLAS 1 from the Kourou Space Centre on an Ariane 5 launcher on Friday 26th November at 18.39 GMT. 

The Ariane 5 launch was perfect, injecting HYLAS 1 into the correct orbit precisely on schedule. HYLAS 1 separated from the Ariane 5 after 34 minutes of flight and telemetry was immediately received at the control centre. The solar arrays deployed on schedule and all systems checks showed full spacecraft functions to be working correctly.

David Williams, Chief Executive of Avanti Communications, commented: "I am delighted that HYLAS 1 is safely in orbit and operating as planned under our control. 

"HYLAS 1 is a uniquely flexible satellite and we are now delighted to be able to offer broadband to communities, businesses and governments around Europe who previously suffered from the lack of high quality communications. Anyone in the UK and within our European beams who needs broadband can now have it, regardless of their location.

"Before we begin to put customer traffic onto the satellite in the New Year, we will be working to enhance the revenue generating potential of the satellite. As a result of certain extra design activities during manufacture HYLAS 1 has higher performance than the original design provided for and is able to offer certain new services. We will analyse the precise performance characteristics of the satellite in these operating modes before commercial service commences.

"This is the first major step for us in creating a business which I hope will lead the World in Ka band satellite communications."