Embratel launches Star One C1 satellite November 7th, 2007
(Embratel) - Investment of R$ 1 billion to provide telecommunications traffic in Brazil
Embratel will be launching in the evening of Nov./9 Star One C1, the first satellite of the new generation called C Series, that will guarantee the continuance of telephone, television, radio, data transmission and Internet services in Brazil. The satellite will be launched from the Kourou space center in French Guiana by the Arianespace rocket. The company has invested R$ 1 billion (over US$ 500 million).
"Further to their economic relevance, Embratel satellites foster the integration of all regions in Brazil, enable the broadcast of educational and cultural programs, and supply communications to the Armed Forces", points out the president of Embratel Carlos henrique Moreira. Around 16 million homes in Brazil receive TV signals directly from Embratel satellites.
Brazilians have been having a record participation in the various stages of the new generation of Embratel satellites, from their system project and development to orbital positioning. In all, 78 Embratel professionals are involved, including five astronomers, 56 engineers, three system analysts and 14 telecommunications and electronics technicians.
More power, coverage and services
Embratel's arm in the satellite industry is Star One, where 80% of the capital belong to Embratel and 20% belong to GE. The president of Star One Gustavo Silbert mentions that "the new generation of satellites has more power, more coverage, and will enable the expansion of services to other companies and to the people as well".
Star One C1 has nearly twice as much power as Brasilsat B2, which it will replace at the 65º W position. It will extend its coverage area beyond Brazil, reaching South and Central America, and Florida (US). It has 28 transponders (signal transmitters and receivers) in C Band, 16 in Ku Band and one in X Band.
C Band provides voice, TV, radio and data signals, including the Internet. Ku Band offers video transmission services directly to users, plus Internet and telephone services to remote areas. X Band is exclusive for military use. Star One C2 will be launched in February of 2008 and will stand at 70º W of Brasilsat B1 position.
Manufactured by Alcatel Space in France, based on SB 3000 - B3 platform, Star One C1 weights 4100 kg and has a useful life of 15 years. It will be located 36 thousand kilometers away from the surface of the Earth. When it reaches its orbital position, the satellite will be controlled by Embratel's staff located in Guaratiba Station, Rio de Janeiro. Guaratiba Station is the single large satellite teleport in Brazil.
Satellite communications in Brazil
Embratel satellites are part of the recent history of the national integration process, helping to strengthen cultural bonds, the dissemination of information and the social and economic development of all regions, from the most cosmopolitans to the remotest parts of Brazil.
Embratel was the first company to launch a domestic communication satellite in South America - Brasilsat A1, in February of 1985. Next year, it launched Brasilsat A2, forming a pioneering generation of Brazilian domestic communication satellites in Latin America. In 1994 Embratel started to operate its second generation - Brasilsat B1. Less than one year later, Brasilsat B2 was put in orbit. Two other satellites, B3 and B4, were launched in 1998 and 2000 respectively.
Thanks to satellite communications, more than 1,200 rural localities in Brazil, including Indian communities, can access public phones and TV services today. Also thanks to these satellites, Instituto Embratel develops digital inclusion programs in public schools located in poor areas all over the country. Embratel satellites provide more security and enhanced performance to business, bank and government corporate networks.
Embratel offers a range of complete telecommunications solutions to the market all over Brazil, including local, long distance domestic and international telephone services, data, video and internet transmission, and is present all over the country with its satellite solutions. Embratel is the market leader in Long Distance Domestic and International calling revenue as well.