33459 - EUTELSAT HOT BIRD 13C

EUTELSAT HOT BIRD 13C is a European geostationary communications satellite (owned by Eutelsat) launched by an Ariane 5 rocket at 22:35 UT on 20 December 2008 from Kourou. Built by EADS Astrium using the Eurostar E3000 platform, the craft is equipped with 64 Ku-band transponders for relaying transmissions directly to small dishes at user's homes. The satellite is used for digital and high definition television broadcasting throughout Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. EUTELSAT HOT BIRD 13C is positioned at 13 degrees E longitude and allowed the Hot Bird 7A spacecraft at that location to be moved into the 9 degrees E position for replacement of the 12-year-old Eurobird 9 craft.

Alternate Names

Hot Bird 9

Facts in Brief

Launch Date: 2008-12-20
Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5
Launch Site: Kourou, French Guiana