Orbital Sciences has received a contract to manufacture a HYLAS 4 satellite for Avanti Communications Group, which seeks to connect customers in existing and new markets to Ka-band broadband communications services.
Orbital Sciences said Tuesday HYLAS 4 is based on its GEOStar-3 platform, will have a capacity of up to 28 gigahertz and feature 66 fixed and four steerable beams.
David Williams, CEO of Avanti, said he expects the satellite to expand the company’s service coverage in Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
Orbital Sciences previously provided Avanti with HYLAS 2 in 2012 and will design, build and test HYLAS 4 at a satellite manufacturing plant in Dulles, Virginia.
The new satellite is scheduled for launch in early 2017 by Arianespace.