Launch of GovSat satellite 'on track'

The launch of GovSat's first satellite – a 50/50 joint venture between the Luxembourg government and Luxembourg-based global satellite operator SES – is going according to plans.

"Preparations for the launch are on track," Markus Payer, vice-president for corporate communications, told Luxembourg Times on Wednesday morning.

With the US government reaching a deal on Monday evening, the launch of GovSat-1 from the Florida-based Cape Canaveral Air Force station "has not experienced any delays", he added.

The satellite is scheduled to launch on 30 January, on board a SpaceX flight-proven Falcon 9 rocket, at 4:23 pm Florida time (10:23 pm CET).

The GovSat-1 satellite, designed to operate for 15 years, will help the Luxembourg government meet its defence objectives and allow it to participate in defence efforts as a member of NATO, the EU and the European Space Agency.

From the Luxembourg-based command centre, GovSat's first satellite will also carry out data-transmission operations to NATO's operational centre.

GovSat chief executive Patrick Biewer said on Monday the GeoStar 3 satellite would be used at 15-25% capacity, with the remaining capacity offered to institutions and government.

The spacecraft will be made available to governments and defence instiutions looking for secure communication services when deploying military operations, responding to humanitarian crises, peace-keeping or engaging in situational-awareness missions.

Once in orbit at 21.5 degrees east, GovSat-1 will serve Europe, the Middle East and Africa, including substantial maritime coverage over the Mediterranean and Baltic seas, and the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

The initial investment in GovSat, covering the construction and launch of the satellite, amounts to €225 million.

The Luxembourg state has also agreed to invest €100 million over 10 years.

GovSat-1, which features advanced encryption and anti-jamming capabilities, should become operational in early March.