Kourou – Satellites launch company Arianespace has successfully launched two communications satellites: INTELSAT 20 for the international satellite operator Intelsat, and HYLAS 2 for the European operator Avanti.

INTELSAT 20 will join the large fleet of satellites already deployed by this major international operator. Arianespace has worked with Intelsat in a relationship of mutual trust for nearly 30 years, launching some 53 satellites in all, including 40 over the last 20 years.

HYLAS 2 is the second satellite to be launched for the new European operator Avanti, which also called on Arianespace to launch its first satellite, HYLAS 1, in November 2010. The mission was carried out by an Ariane 5 ECA launcher from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.