The RQ1R satellite was successfully launched by launch operator Arianespace on an Ariane 5ECA rocket from the spaceport in French Guiana on August 4^th in 2010. The satellite has a lifespan of 15+ years and replaced the failed RasComStar-QAF 1 spacecraft that was moved to an orbital graveyard in 2020.

RQ1R is located at 2,9° East and covers rural Africa and Mauritius with C-band and Ku-band Beams.