By: MarkJ - 3 October, 2011 (8:01 AM) - Score: 9669 - Satellite

Satellite ISP Avanti Communications UK, which successfully launched its first 'up to' 10Mbps capable HYLAS 1 (Highly Adaptable Satellite) rural broadband spacecraft last November 2010 (here), has confirmed that its forthcoming and significantly more powerful Satellite (HYLAS 2) is on-target to launch next spring (Q2-2012).

The first HYLAS 1 (33.5º West) satellite (Lift Off Mass: 2300Kg / Payload Power: >2.0kW / 350,000 Customer Capacity) featured 8 Ka-band beams and was predominantly focused upon delivering internet access services into rural areas across the UK and Europe.

By contrast HYLAS 2 (Lift Off Mass: 3200Kg / Payload Power: 5.0 kW / 700,000 Customer Capacity) features 24 fixed ka-band beams, one steerable beam and expands the coverage to the Middle East and Africa. It will also boost Europe's existing coverage and add some much needed redundancy into Avanti's service.


The HYLAS 2 spacecraft is now said to be fully insured for £208m, which covers its launch and the first year of in-orbit operation; provides for the total cost of the HYLAS 2 project, including replacing the satellite (if lost), a second launch, the insurance for this second launch and for its first year of operation. Avanti also plans a third HYLAS 3 Satellite for the future but final details have yet to be confirmed.

Avanti's latest financial results for the year ended 30th June 2011 showed that the operator had revenue of £5.46 million (2010: £5.82m / 2009: £3.3m), which fell as business activity migrated over to the new HYLAS1 platform. Loss after tax was £9.7 million (2010 £1.93m) and closing cash of £38.83 million (2010 £34.18m). Launching Satellites' is an expensive business.