Arianespace has launched the Intelsat 33e and Intelsat 36  telecommunications relay satellites into geostationary transfer orbit for US-based satellite operator Intelsat.

Launched aboard a heavy-lift Ariane 5 rocket, the pair of satellites took off from the spaceport in French Guiana.

The 57th and 58th launch conducted by Arianespace for Intelsat, the mission saw the Ariane 5 rocket carrying a total payload capacity of 10,735kg.

Arianespace chairman and CEO Stéphane Israël said: “Intelsat entrusted two satellites to Arianespace on a single mission; this betokens a profound confidence in the reliability and flexibility of the Ariane 5 launcher.”

Built by Space Systems Loral (SSL), Intelsat 36 is designed to improve Intelsat’s media neighbourhoods serving Africa and the Indian Ocean regions.

“Intelsat 36 is a testament to our dedication to working closely with our customers in Africa."

The satellite’s Ku-band payload was built to support MultiChoice, the leading direct-to-home platform in South Africa.

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Intelsat CEO Stephen Spengler said: “Intelsat 36 is a testament to our dedication to working closely with our customers in Africa to support critical growing infrastructure needs in the region.

“Having consistent and affordable access to informative and entertaining content is vital to a community and its citizens.  Intelsat 36 will enable MultiChoice to extend high definition channels throughout the region via one of Africa’s premier video neighbourhoods. "

Next year, two more Intelsat satellites, namely Intelsat 32e and Intelsat 37e, will be launched by Arianespace.

Image: Arianespace’s heavy-lift Ariane 5 rockets lifted off a pair of Intelsat satellites. Photo: courtesy of Arianespace.