Nilesat 201
| Company type | Communications satellite |
|---|---|
| Industry | Telecommunications |
| Founded | August 4, 2010 |
| Founder | Nilesat |
| Headquarters | Egypt |
| Products | Direct to Home television, radio transmissions, high-speed data connectivity |
Nilesat 201 is a communications satellite from Egypt that was launched on 4 August 2010. Starting September 2010, it allows the Egyptian satellite operator Nilesat to deliver digital Direct to Home (DTH) television, radio transmissions, and high-speed data connectivity throughout North Africa and the Middle East.
Manufactured by Thales Alenia Space at their Cannes Mandelieu facility, Nilesat 201 utilizes the Spacebus 4000B2 platform. Positioned in a geosynchronous orbit at 7° West longitude, the satellite has a planned operational lifespan of 15 years and a launch weight of 3.2 metric tons. Its power system includes solar panels that produce 5.9 kilowatts at the end of its service life, supporting 40 transponders—comprising 24 Ku-band transponders dedicated to broadcasting and 4 Ka-band transponders.
The satellite was deployed using an Ariane 5ECA launch vehicle, which lifted off at 20:59 UTC on August 4, 2010.