UPCOMING LAUNCHES
W3B
W3B will be based on the Thales
Alenia Space 4000 platform. Due for launch
in second half 2010, it
will be located at 16° East. Designed for an operational lifetime of 15 years, W3B will offer significant flexibility to operate a wide range of services from TV broadcasting to professional data networks and broadband access.
Hosting almost 400 TV digital channels, 16 degrees East is one of the leading orbital positions for broadcast in Central and Eastern Europe and, via its steerable beam, it is a prime video neighbourhood for the islands in the Indian Ocean.
These markets are experiencing solid growth, in particular in Central and Eastern Europe where cable and satellite reception has grown at a double digit rate over the last four years.
:: W3B Flyer (PDF 1.3 MB)
KA-SAT
KA-SAT is scheduled for launch in third quarter 2010. It will be configured with over 80 spotbeams, making it the most advanced multi-spot satellite designed in the world to date.
The satellite will form the cornerstone of a major new satellite infrastructure programme that will significantly expand capacity for consumer broadband services across Europe and the Mediterranean Basin, while providing new opportunities for local and regional television markets.
(See the KA-SAT images)
W3C
Scheduled for launch in third quarter 2011 and equipped with 56 transponders, W3C will be
based on the Spacebus 4000 platform of Thales Alenia Space. Its copositioning with Eutelsat’s
W3A satellite will expand capacity at 7 degrees East from 44 to 70 transponders.
The
copositioning of both satellites underscores Eutelsat’s objective to transform 7 degrees East
into a flagship position, repeating the multi-satellite strategy pursued at 13 degrees East which
has enabled the HOT BIRD™ satellites to develop into the leading neighbourhood worldwide
for the number of channels broadcast.
With optimised coverage of Europe, Africa, the Middle
East and central Asia, the W3A satellite at 7 degrees East already broadcasts close to 200
television channels and carries professional video and data services. The additional resources
will enable Eutelsat to support expanding business of existing customers, notably broadcasters
now launching their first HDTV channels. It will also bring fresh capacity to boost Eutelsat’s
resources in other regions.
ATLANTIC BIRD™ 7
Eutelsat Communications has selected Astrium to deliver its new ATLANTIC BIRD™ 7 satellite
for 7 degrees West. Scheduled for launch in 4th quarter 2011, the satellite will be located at a
key neighbourhood for digital broadcasting markets in the Middle East and North Africa, which
Eutelsat operates in close collaboration with the Egyptian satellite operator Nilesat.
