46 Ku-band and 4 Ka-band transponders to provide full in-orbit back-up capacity both for Badr-4 and Badr-6 television services, covering a stretched zone encompassing the entire Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and beyond. Complementary missions will include supporting the expected boom of HD-TV and, thanks to its Ka-band capacity, the development of new sophisticated interactive television services from broadcasters.