Five months after launching, the first test signals have been received a close distance from its final orbital position.
Test transmissions have begun on four frequencies from its current position near 12ºE, in preparation for going into full commercial operation this summer.
It’s one of two satellites currently going through thorough testing before replacing three aging satellites at 13ºE. Hotbird 13G was launched into orbit at the beginning of November.
Last month, sister satellite Hotbird 13F, launched in October, also began in-orbit testing, but at 0.4ºE.
Eutelsat 13F and 13G are needed to replace Eutelsat 13B, C and E, which are rapidly heading towards end of life. The old satellites originally carried analogue television services before Hotbird moved to an all-digital environment in 2010. Together, 13F and G will reinforce and enhance the broadcast and reception of over 1,000 television channels.
According to Parabola.cz, the test frequencies and polarisations are 10775 H, 12073 V, 12671 V and 12731 H. These are frequencies currently unused at 13ºE, ensuring the tests from 12ºE don’t create interference.
Both Eutelsat 13F and G promise to offer improved footprints and better reception on smaller dish sizes in some areas. Meanwhile, the satellites will offer advanced features in terms of uplink signal protection and resilience. This follows instances of jamming traced back to Iran.
TV services from Hotbird
The Hotbird satellites at 13°E are used to broadcast TV services from Poland, Italy, Greece, Switzerland and French-speaking Belgium. However, Hotbird is the also the home of numerous feeds for international channels. This includes a number from the BBC World Service and channels from countries including China, Dubai, Jordan, Spain and Portugal. In addition to providing direct to home (DTH) coverage, Hotbird is also used to supply cable and IPTV headends.
Marc Thornham