NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 2010-056A
Eutelsat W3B is a communications satellite launched from Kourou on 28 October 2010 at 21:51 UT by an Ariane 5 rocket. The craft weighed 5370 kg and carries 56 transponders. Eutelsat W3B's transponders will be connected to four distinct footprints: a high-power footprint of Central Europe for direct-to-home broadcasting; a wide-beam spanning Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia for professional video links and data networks; a high-power beam over Madagascar and Indian Ocean Islands for direct-to-home broadcasting; and a beam sweeping across Sub-Saharan Africa and Indian Ocean islands for regional telecoms and internet services. It will be located at an orbital position of 16 degrees East longitude and is expected to be moved to 7 degrees East longitude after W3C, which will launch later, is in orbit. With an expected 15-year design life, the satellite will replace Eutelsat's Eurobird 16, W2M and SESAT 1 satellites, all of which will subsequently be redeployed to alternative positions.
Launch Date: 2010-10-28
Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5
Launch Site: Kourou, French Guiana
Mass: 5370 kg
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office