Star One D1 will be the 11th satellite orbited by Arianespace for the private operator Embratel Star One. Its latest launch for this operator was with the Star One C4 satellite in July 2015.

Embratel Star One is the largest satellite operator in Latin America. Arianespace and Embratel Star One have been working together successfully for some 30 years, and Arianespace has launched all of Embratel Star One’s satellites.

Star One D1 is the initial fourth-generation satellite to be deployed by this operator. It will handle different missions, including broadcasting, broadband, Internet access and other digital applications. Star One D1 also is the largest satellite built to date for Embratel Star One.

Fitted with 70 active transponders in Ka-, C- and Ku-band, Star One D1 will be positioned at 84 degrees West. It will cover Brazil, Latin America, Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Star One D1 was built by SSL (Space Systems Loral) using an SSL 1300 platform, in Palo Alto, California. It will be the 60th SSL satellite launched by Arianespace.