(Moscow, February 11th 2008) Telenor Satellite Broadcasting today announced the successful launch of its new geo stationary satellite, THOR 5.

The satellite was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 12:34 (CET), on 11th February and was declared a success after the satellite separated from the Proton Breeze M launch vehicle at 21:56 (CET) this evening.

THOR 5, also known as THOR 2R, is a Norwegian geostationary communications craft that weights 1.9 ton (with fuel) and carries 25 Ku-band transponders, feeding fixed and steerable beams to provide direct-to-home television and Internet links to Scandinavia, eastern Europe, and Middle-East countries. It will replace THOR 2 which is reaching its end of life.

More info: http://www.telenorsbc.com/templates/Page.aspx?id=629