European Soyuz launches SmallGEO satellite for Hispasat

European launch provider Arianespace completed its first launch of the year Jan. 27, orbiting the first SmallGEO satellite for Spanish satellite operator Hispasat. In addition to being the first SmallGEO satellite to reach orbit, the mission is also the first to use a Soyuz from French Guiana to launch a satellite to geosynchronous transfer orbit. Previous Soyuz launches from the complex in Sinnamary, French Guiana, flew missions to low and medium Earth orbit. Built by Bremen, Germany-based OHB Systems AG, Hispasat-36W-1 is the first of nine SmallGEO satellites the manufacturer has received contracts to build. More

(Source: SpaceNews - Jan 29)