Eutelsat 172B is a new high-capacity satellite delivering increased capacity for fast-growing applications in Asia Pacific, including in-flight and maritime connectivity, cellular backhaul, corporate networks, video and government services.

Located at the key 172° neighbourhood, the satellite provides exceptional land and sea reach over Asia Pacific, from Alaska to Australia. The satellite replaced the Eutelsat 172A that was moved to 174° East renamed Eutelsat 174A.

The Eutelsat 172B satellite is a triple mission satellite with three distinct payloads:

• A trans-Pacific C-band payload delivering increased power and broader coverage to enhance the service previously provided to customers via Eutelsat 172A as well as reach new growth markets in South-East Asia,
• A regular Ku-band payload which doubles capacity at 172° East and connects five improved service areas: North Pacific, North-East Asia, South-East Pacific, South-West Pacific and South Pacific,
• An innovative High Throughput Ku-band payload designed for in-flight broadband with multiple spot beams optimised to serve densely-used Asian and trans-Pacific flight paths.

Eutelsat 172B was constructed by Airbus Defense & Space and was launched on January 6th, 2017 on an Ariane 5 rocket operated by launch operator Arianespace in a dual launch with Viasat-2 satellite for Viasat satellite operator.