| Names | Orion 2 (pre-launch) RESSAT (pre-launch) Eutelsat W1 (2000–2009) Eurobird 4A (2009–2012) Eutelsat 4A (2012–present) |
|---|---|
| Mission type | Communications |
| Operator | Eutelsat |
| COSPAR ID | 2000-052A |
| SATCATno. | 26487 |
| Mission duration | 12 years |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Bus | Eurostar-2000+ |
| Manufacturer | Astrium |
| Launch mass | 3,250 kilograms (7,170 lb) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 6 September 2000, 22:33 (2000-09-06UTC22:33Z) UTC |
| Rocket | Ariane 44P-3 |
| Launch site | KourouELA-2 |
| Contractor | Arianespace |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Geosynchronous |
| Longitude | 10° East (2000–2009) 4° East (2009–present) |
Eutelsat 4A, previouslyEurobird 4A andEutelsat W1[1] is a Frenchcommunications satellite which is operated byEutelsat. It was constructed byAstrium is based on theEurostar-2000+satellite bus. Its launch was contracted byArianespace, using anAriane 4 44P-3 carrier rocket. The launch occurred on 6 September 2000, at 22:33 UTC fromELA-2 at theGuiana Space Centre.
It was originally built as Orion 2 forOrion Network Systems. This was later cancelled when Orion merged withLoral Skynet, who opted to procure satellites from their sister company,Space Systems Loral. It was subsequently sold to Eutelsat as a backup satellite and designated RESSAT. It was subsequently launched in place of the original Eutelsat W1, which was damaged whilst under construction and eventually launched asEutelsat W5.[1]
Following its launch and on-orbit testing, it was placed ingeostationary orbit at 10° East, from where it provided broadcast and communications services to Europe using wide-band feeds. In June 2009, it was moved to 4° East,[2] and redesignated Eurobird 4A. It carries twenty eight transponders, and has an expected on-orbit lifespan of 12 years.
In 2012 it was renamed Eutelsat 4A.[2]
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