GECs
Ariane 4 boosts Eutelsat’s Atlantic Bird 2
Arianespace has successfully orbited the Atlantic Bird 2 satellite for international telecommunications operator Eutelsat.
Conducted its second mission in 25 days, Arianspace used an Ariane 4 nighttime launch to place Atlantic BirdTM 2 into geostationary transfer orbit on 27 September.
The Flight 144’s liftoff took place on 25 September nad was initially delayed by a telemetry problem at the Spaceport, which was resolved within the 57-minute launch window.
The Alcatel Space-built Atlantic BirdTM 2 satellite is a key element of Eutelsat’s global service expansion, and the spacecraft will provide relay capacity from the Americas to Europe and beyond, utilizing the telecommunication operator’s Atlantic Gate orbital slot at 8 deg. West. Atlantic Bird 2 carries 26 transponders and will cover four continents, reaching North and South America, Europe, and countries in North Africa and the Middle East.
Flight 144 used an Ariane 44P version of the Ariane 4 family, equipped with the four solid propellant strap-on boosters for augmented thrust during the initial ascent phase. The mission was the 15th – and final – flight of an Ariane 44P in the Ariane 4 family’s operational career. It also marked the 106th launch of an Ariane 4 – and the vehicle’s 64th consecutive success.
Arianespace’s next flight is set for November 27, when another Ariane 4 will orbit the DirectTV-4S satellite for US operator, DirectTV.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
