The launch of the Hellas Sat 3 satellite, the biggest European telecommunication satellite, promotes Cyprus into the space era and more specifically in space technology, Minister of Transport, Communication and Works Marios Demetriades has told CNA.

Demetriades, who attended the launch of the satellite at the European Space Station of Kourou, in the French Guiana, said that the Hellas Sat 3 satellite will bring many benefits for Cyprus.

The  company, Hellas Sat, offers end-to-end teleport services right in the heart of Europe and has state-of-the-art fully redundant ground teleport facilities in Greece and Cyprus, being one of the largest telecom groups in the region.  It has a  growing satellite fleet at the 39° East orbital position and access to partner satellites, teleports and platforms.

The new satellite, Hellas Sat 3 was carried into space with an Ariane 5 rocket.

The Cypriot Minister told CNA that Cyprus will receive part of the revenues from the operation of the satellite but most importantly the launch promotes Cyprus in the field of space technology.

The satellite, which was built by the French manufacturer Thales Alenia Space, will expand the company’s commercial activities to Europe, the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa. It will have 47 transponders providing innovative and reliable satellite services in telecommunication and television organizations.

In the coming days, Greek and Cypriot engineers will direct the satellite  to its circular orbit at 39 East orbital position. Its services are expected to begin in the first two weeks of August.

Meanwhile, Greek Minister of Digital Policy, Nikos Pappas, who was also present at the launch, spoke about the significance of the satellite, saying that it will bring many benefits, both commercial and scientific.

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