Launch success for THOR 7.

THOR 7 launched atop the Ariane 5 rocket. — THOR 7 takes flight atop the Ariane 5 rocket.

Telenor Satellite today announced the successful launch of its new satellite, THOR 7.

Expansion satellite to serve Europe

THOR 7 was successfully launched into space on Sunday April 26, 2015 at 20:00 UTC, from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana. On board an Ariane 5 launcher (Arianespace flight VA222), the THOR 7 satellite was successfully injected into geostationary transfer orbit approx. 28 minutes after lift-off.

THOR 7, manufactured by Space Systems Loral (SSL), is Telenor Satellite’s first growth satellite and also features its first high-throughput satellite (HTS) Ka-band payload, specifically designed for the mobility VSAT market to provide high-powered coverage over the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea, the Red Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the Mediterranean.

“I am delighted to see that THOR 7 has safely reached geostationary transfer orbit and thank both Arianespace and our manufacturing partner SSL for this successful launch”, said Morten Tengs, CEO, Telenor Satellite. “From its 1°West location, the THOR 7 satellite will provide growth capacity for DTH services across Central and Eastern Europe and deliver optimal satellite coverage across Europe’s business shipping lanes for the provision of maritime VSAT services.”

THOR 7 will now undergo extensive in-orbit testing and will be ready to deliver DTH services in six weeks. Additional testing will take place on the HTS Ka-band services with a full commercial service to be ready in Q4, 2015.

Press inquiries

Randi Ellingsen

Title: Head of PR and Communication, Space Norway.
Tel: +47 988 77 675
Email: randi.ellingsen@spacenorway.com

About Space Norway

Space Norway is Northern Europe’s leading satellite operator and a key player in the European space industry.

We provide secure and reliable satellite connectivity services to governments, public and defence sectors, commercial maritime, land-based industries, and broadcasters. Our portfolio of satellites, teleport infrastructure and subsea fibreoptic cables enables us to deliver intelligent solutions that meet the needs of clients in Europe, the Arctic, the Middle East and Africa.

Our team’s industry-leading expertise, agility and commitment to excellence allow us to respond swiftly to market demands, accelerating technological breakthroughs.

Our goal is to harness space for security, research, commercial growth, and beyond. We remain at the forefront of innovation – enhancing life and expanding possibilities.

Space Norway is owned by the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries and represents the Norwegian Government’s strategic interests in the space sector. Our subsidiaries include Space Norway Satcom AS (formerly, Telenor Satellite AS), Space Norway Heosat AS and Statsat AS. Space Norway holds 50 per cent of shares in Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) in a joint venture with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.