# Eutelsat Konnect

> Eutelsat telecommunications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q25429384](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q25429384)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eutelsat_Konnect)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eutelsat-konnect

## Summary
Eutelsat Konnect is a geostationary communications satellite launched on January 16, 2020, designed to provide broadband connectivity across Africa. Operated by Eutelsat, it was built by Thales Alenia Space and features a Spacebus-Neo-100 platform, weighing 3,619 kg at launch. It is also known as the African Broadband Satellite.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Communications satellite and geostationary satellite
- **Launch date**: January 16, 2020, at 21:05 UTC
- **Launch vehicle**: Ariane 5 ECA+ (flight VA251)
- **Launch site**: ELA-3, Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana
- **Operator**: Eutelsat
- **Manufacturer**: Thales Alenia Space
- **Spacecraft bus**: Spacebus-Neo-100
- **Mass**: 3,619 kg (launch weight)
- **Power source**: Spacecraft solar array (2) and PPS-5000 (4)
- **Design life**: 15 years
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Aliases**: African Broadband Satellite
- **Website**: [europe.konnect.com](https://europe.konnect.com/en-GB) (British English)

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of Eutelsat Konnect?
A: Eutelsat Konnect is designed to provide broadband connectivity across Africa, supporting high-speed internet services and other telecommunications needs.

### Q: Who operates Eutelsat Konnect?
A: The satellite is operated by Eutelsat, a leading European satellite operator.

### Q: What is the design life of Eutelsat Konnect?
A: The satellite has a design life of 15 years, meaning it is expected to operate effectively for that duration.

### Q: What type of orbit does Eutelsat Konnect use?
A: Eutelsat Konnect is a geostationary satellite, positioned in a geostationary orbit to provide continuous coverage over Africa.

### Q: What is the mass of Eutelsat Konnect at launch?
A: The satellite weighed 3,619 kg at launch, including its payload and propulsion systems.

## Why It Matters
Eutelsat Konnect plays a crucial role in bridging the digital divide in Africa by providing high-speed broadband services to underserved regions. As part of Eutelsat's broader satellite fleet, it supports the company's mission of delivering reliable and efficient telecommunications solutions. The satellite's geostationary orbit ensures continuous coverage, making it a vital asset for both commercial and government communications. Its launch marked a significant milestone in Thales Alenia Space's Spacebus-Neo series, demonstrating the company's expertise in advanced satellite technology. By enhancing connectivity across Africa, Eutelsat Konnect contributes to economic development, education, and healthcare access in the region.

## Notable For
- **First African Broadband Satellite**: Eutelsat Konnect is one of the first satellites specifically designed to provide broadband services across Africa.
- **Spacebus-Neo Platform**: It is built on Thales Alenia Space's Spacebus-Neo-100 platform, known for its advanced capabilities and reliability.
- **Geostationary Orbit**: Its position in geostationary orbit ensures continuous coverage, making it ideal for telecommunications services.
- **Ariane 5 Launch**: The satellite was launched using the Ariane 5 ECA+ rocket, a powerful European launch vehicle.
- **15-Year Design Life**: With a design life of 15 years, it is expected to provide long-term service to its users.

## Body
### Overview
Eutelsat Konnect is a geostationary communications satellite operated by Eutelsat. It was launched on January 16, 2020, using an Ariane 5 ECA+ rocket from ELA-3 in French Guiana. The satellite is part of Eutelsat's fleet and is known as the African Broadband Satellite.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 3,619 kg at launch.
- **Power**: Equipped with two spacecraft solar arrays and four PPS-5000 units for power generation.
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit, providing continuous coverage over Africa.
- **Design Life**: 15 years, ensuring long-term operational capability.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5 ECA+ (flight VA251).
- **Launch Site**: ELA-3, Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.
- **Launch Date**: January 16, 2020, at 21:05 UTC.

### Manufacturer and Operator
- **Manufacturer**: Thales Alenia Space, a leading aerospace company.
- **Operator**: Eutelsat, a European satellite operator.

### Significance
Eutelsat Konnect is notable for its role in providing broadband connectivity across Africa, addressing the region's digital infrastructure needs. Its geostationary orbit and advanced technology make it a critical asset for telecommunications services. The satellite's launch and deployment mark a significant achievement in satellite technology and space exploration.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-konnect.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report