26719 - EUTELSAT 28A

EUROBIRD is the 18th member of the European Eutelsat consortium's geosynchronous constellation that was launched by an Ariane 5 rocket from Kourou at 22:51 UT. It carries 24 Ku-band transponders to provide broad bandwidth and high power direct-to-home transmissions to enable digital entertainment and internet connections. The 3-ton (with fuel) satellite will be parked over 28.5 degrees E longitude, replacing the aging COPERNICUS (presumably, an alternative name for KOPERNIKUS (DFS 3), 1992-066A).

Facts in Brief

Launch Date: 2001-03-08
Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5
Launch Site: Kourou, French Guiana