37207 - BSAT-3B

BSAT-3B 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 are 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 is located at an orbital position of 7 degrees E longitude. With an expected 15-year design life, the satellite replaced Eutelsat's Eurobird 16, W2M and SESAT 1 satellites, all of which were subsequently redeployed to alternative positions.

Alternate Names

Eutelsat W3B

Facts in Brief

Launch Date: 2010-10-28
Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5
Launch Site: Kourou, French Guiana
Mass: 5370.0 kg