Launch window: 0325-0524 GMT on 14th October (11:25 p.m.-1:24 a.m. EDT on 13th/14th)
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Hotbird 13F television broadcasting satellite for Eutelsat. Hotbird 13F is the first satellite to be built on Airbus’s new Eurostar Neo all-electric spacecraft design, and will provide television broadcast services to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The Falcon 9’s first stage booster will land on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean. Hotbird 13G launch will follow before end on the year. The HOTBIRD 13F and 13G satellites will both have more than two tons of payload, spacecraft power of 22 kW and yet a launch mass of only 4,500 kg, thanks to Electric Orbit Raising. They will enhance Eutelsat’s ability to serve its 135 million customers across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Satellites Hotbird 13F and 13G will replace Hotbird 13B-13C-13E.