37816 - EUTELSAT 7 WEST A

EUTELSAT 7 WEST A was launched on 24 September 2011 at 20:18 UT from the Odyssey Launch Platform by a Zenit-3SL rocket. The craft weighed 4,600 kg and provides digital broadcasting and internet services. It has a Middle East-North Africa beam with 44 Ku-band transponders, plus a separate beam with up to 12 transponders for Northwest Africa. A pair of solar wings spanning about 5 m are designed to provide at least 12 kW of power at the end of the spacecraft's lifetime. EUTELSAT 7 WEST A will be parked at 7 degrees W longitude to provide communications services across the Middle East and Africa. It is co-located with three Egyptian-owned Nilesat spacecraft to enhance the communications capabilities over the coverage zone. The spacecraft has an expected service lifetime of at least 15 years.

Alternate Names

Atlantic Bird 7

Facts in Brief

Launch Date: 2011-09-24
Launch Vehicle: Zenit 3SL
Launch Site: Odyssey (Sea Launch Platform)
Mass: 4600.0 kg