The EUTELSAT 48D satellite, formerly EUTELSAT 28B / W2M, has been repositioned to 48° East where it delivers extensive coverage of Afghanistan and Central Asia.

The satellite has been co-branded AFGHANSAT 1 following an agreement between Eutelsat and the Afghanistan Ministry of Communications & Information Technology and will be used to enhance deployment of Afghanistan’s national broadcasting and telecommunications infrastructure as well as its international connectivity.

AFGHANSAT 1 will support a wide range of services including broadcasting, mobile telephony backhaul and IP connectivity, providing access to ICT and broadcast services to Afghans especially in unserved areas.

Launched in 2008, the satellite has been providing a wide range of services via eight Ku-band transponders. The satellite has been redeployed from 28.5° East where it has delivered 100% availibility since August 2012. Its estimated end of operational use in stable orbit is 2020.

Launch date: 20/12/08
Launch details: Ariane 5 ECA
Satellite construction: EADS Astrium/ISRO (Indian Space Agency)