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Eurobird
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Eurobird
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Eurobird was a series of satellites owned and operated by Eutelsat. The Eurobird satellites provided broadcasting and telecommunication services primarily to the Western and Central European region from orbital positions of 9, 25.5 and 33 degrees East. The Eurobird brand was phased out on 1 March 2012, with the satellites becoming part of Eutelsat's main fleet in a company-wide rebranding.

Eurobirds still in operation:

Eurobirds no longer in operation:

  • Eutelsat 4A (formerly Eurobird 4A), located at 4° East since June 2009, retired in 2012.[3]

Pending investigation of damage caused to the craft, the retired Hot Bird 3 will become Eurobird 10, positioned at 10E alongside Eutelsat W1.

List of providers

[edit]
Name Location Website
Eutelsat France www.eutelsat.com
Globecast France www.globecast.com
Wide Network Solutions United Kingdom www.widenetworks.net
Sky Italia Italy www.sky.it
Arqiva United Kingdom www.arqiva.com

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Eurobird

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from Grokipedia
Eurobird was a series of geostationary communications satellites operated by , with the branding applied to up to 16 satellites launched from 1998 to 2006, that provided direct-to-home television broadcasting, telecommunications, and broadband internet services to regions including , the , , and parts of . These satellites utilized Ku-band transponders and steerable beams to enable high-power signal transmission receivable by small dish antennas, supporting hundreds of television channels in some cases, including high-definition content. The Eurobird fleet emerged as part of 's expansion in the commercial sector during the early 2000s, with many built on the Alcatel Spacebus-3000 platform and launched via Ariane rockets from . Notable examples include Eurobird 1, launched on March 8, 2001, and initially positioned at 28.5° East to serve Western and ; Eurobird 4A (also known as Eutelsat W1), launched in September 2000 at 4° West for coverage extending to the and ; Eurobird 9A, launched in 2006 at 9° East as a key hub for digital TV distribution; and e-Bird, launched in 2003 as the world's first dedicated to two-way communications. Many Eurobird were later rebranded under 's numerical system starting in 2012, such as Eurobird 1 becoming Eutelsat 28A and eventually Eutelsat 133 West A, with some deorbited after reaching the end of their 12-15 year operational lifetimes. These satellites played a pivotal role in Eutelsat's growth, contributing to the company's position as a leading provider of video services by facilitating multi-channel platforms for broadcasters like GlobeCast and enabling satellite news gathering and multimedia applications. By the mid-2010s, as newer high-throughput satellites like 9B entered service, the Eurobird designations were phased out, but their infrastructure supported the delivery of thousands of channels across Eutelsat's orbital slots.

History

Origins and Branding

Eutelsat was established in 1977 as the (Eutelsat), an intergovernmental entity formed by 17 European countries to coordinate across the continent. This organization aimed to foster a unified European approach to space-based communications, initially focusing on the development and operation of the European Communications Satellite (ECS) series, which were procured from the in the late 1970s for deployment in the early 1980s. Following the of the sector, underwent in July 2001, transitioning from an intergovernmental body to a private company known as Eutelsat S.A. This shift enabled greater commercial flexibility and strategic branding initiatives to compete in the global market, emphasizing targeted names that highlighted regional service focuses. The Eurobird brand was introduced in the early as part of Eutelsat's post-privatization efforts to designate a series of satellites dedicated to direct-to-home and telecommunications services tailored for pan-European coverage. Distinct from the series positioned at 13° East for high-density video distribution, Eurobird satellites were positioned at various orbital slots to provide complementary capacity across Western, . The first application of the Eurobird name occurred with the launch of Eurobird 1 on March 8, 2001, aboard an rocket, underscoring Eutelsat's commitment to expanding accessible satellite services throughout . Positioned at 28.5° East, this satellite featured 24 Ku-band transponders to support broadcasting and telecom applications, reinforcing the brand's role in delivering reliable, Europe-centric connectivity.

Key Launches and Developments

The Eurobird series marked its debut with the launch of Eurobird 1 on March 8, 2001, aboard an rocket from the in , . Built by Marconi Space on the Eurostar-2000 platform, this satellite was positioned at 28.5° East to deliver Ku-band broadcasting capacity across , , and the , supporting services over a designed lifespan of at least 12 years. In September 2003, expanded the series' focus on with the launch of e-Bird on September 27 aboard an from ; this HS-376HP satellite, the first dedicated to two-way services, was later renamed Eurobird 3 and relocated to 33° East for hybrid broadcast- operations. Concurrently, 's in July 2001 enabled accelerated fleet rationalization, facilitating the of legacy assets under the Eurobird name to streamline its growing network. The mid-2000s saw significant fleet expansions through renamings and repositionings as optimized coverage. For example, the 1998-launched 4 was rebranded as Eurobird 16 and operated at 16° East, providing Ku-band services to and until its retirement and de-orbiting in 2015. Similarly, 5 became Eurobird 2, which in 2006 concluded a leasing arrangement at 25.8° East with Arabsat before returning to control for repositioning within the network. 7A, launched in March 2006 on an , was renamed Eurobird 9A in February 2009 and shifted to 9° East to bolster video distribution capacity. These developments reflected Eutelsat's strategy to consolidate its portfolio amid increasing demand for multi-regional broadcasting, with satellites like Eurobird 3 enabling innovative services such as the Tooway broadband platform by . Older units, including Eurobird 16, were progressively retired in the 2010s to make way for newer generations, ensuring sustained orbital efficiency.

Technical Specifications

Design and Construction

The Eurobird series satellites were designed as geostationary (GEO) communication platforms, featuring modular bus architectures optimized for long-duration operations in orbit at approximately 36,000 km altitude. These designs incorporated deployable solar arrays to generate electrical power, typically ranging from 2 to 10 kW depending on the model, supplemented by onboard batteries for eclipse periods. Propulsion systems relied on bipropellant chemical thrusters for orbit insertion, station-keeping, and end-of-life disposal, ensuring precise positioning over designated longitudes. Primary construction was handled by European and American aerospace firms, with Alcatel Space (now part of ) building Eurobird 1 on the Spacebus-3000B2 platform, which emphasized three-axis stabilization using reaction wheels and thrusters for attitude control. Airbus Defence and Space, successor to Matra Marconi Space, constructed Eurobird 2 using the Eurostar-2000+ bus, also employing three-axis stabilization with redundant control systems to maintain pointing accuracy better than 0.05 degrees. Boeing Satellite Systems developed Eurobird 3 on the HS-376HP platform, which utilized via a rotating cylindrical body for gyroscopic stability, diverging from the three-axis approach in earlier models. Typical launch masses across the series varied from 1,500 kg to over 4,000 kg, reflecting capacity and requirements; for instance, Eurobird 1 had a launch mass of 3,050 kg, while Eurobird 9A reached 4,100 kg. Dimensions were compact for launch, with stowed configurations around 3-4 meters in height and 2-3 meters in , expanding post-deployment to accommodate solar arrays spanning up to 20 meters and reflector antennas of 1.5-3 meters in for beam formation. These satellites incorporated built-in redundancies in critical subsystems, such as dual lines and multiple attitude sensors, to enhance reliability during the intended operational lifespan of 10-15 years. Communication payloads were seamlessly integrated into the bus structures, with antenna assemblies mounted on the nadir-facing deck to support direct and services without compromising the overall GEO stability.

Communication Capabilities

The Eurobird satellites primarily utilize Ku-band transponders operating in the 12-18 GHz frequency range to facilitate high-frequency and functions. These transponders, numbering between 4 and 38 per satellite depending on the model, each support bandwidths of 33-72 MHz, enabling efficient signal relay for video distribution and services across targeted regions. Eurobird 3 (e-BIRD) uniquely incorporated 10 Ka-band (26.5-40 GHz) spot beams for two-way , complementing its 4 Ku-band gateway transponders. These payloads are optimized for digital video broadcasting standards, including DVB-S and , which allow for the transmission of both standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) television signals with improved efficiency and error correction. For instance, Eurobird 9 supports DVB-S transmissions for environmental data dissemination, demonstrating the series' compatibility with modern protocols. Power output per typically ranges from 50 to 120 watts, sourced from amplifiers, contributing to a total satellite electrical power of 6-10 kW generated by deployable solar arrays. Beam configurations in the Eurobird series feature shaped spot beams focused on for precise coverage, complemented by optional wide beams extending to the to support broader applications such as data links. The Eurobird platform shares foundational elements with the series, emphasizing reliable Ku-band operations for direct-to-home broadcasting.

Coverage and Operations

Orbital Positions

The Eurobird satellites operated in (GEO) at an altitude of approximately 36,000 km above Earth's during their operational lifetimes in the and , enabling fixed positioning relative to ground stations for reliable communication services. Primary orbital slots for the fleet included 25.5° East for Eurobird 2 during the and early , which supported across and . Eurobird 1 was initially positioned at 28.5° East following its 2001 launch, providing coverage for Western and . Eurobird 3 occupied 33° East, focusing on similar European and Middle Eastern regions. Additional positions encompassed 9° East for Eurobird 9A and 16° East for Eurobird 16, strategically selected to augment Eutelsat's constellation at 13° East by expanding capacity in the prime video neighborhood while reducing potential interference between adjacent slots. These placements allowed for complementary beam coverage, enabling single-dish reception across a broader arc without significant signal overlap issues. For instance, the 9° East slot enhanced Ku-band services near the core 13° East position, supporting high-density direct-to-home broadcasting. To maintain these precise locations, Eurobird satellites utilized onboard chemical or electric thrusters for station-keeping maneuvers, countering perturbations from gravitational forces, solar , and lunar-solar effects to achieve and latitude accuracies of ±0.05°. Such precision was essential in GEO, where even minor drifts could disrupt service continuity or infringe on neighboring orbital assignments regulated by the . Relocations occurred periodically for fleet optimization; for example, Eurobird 1 was shifted from 28.5° East to 33° East in 2015 to co-locate with 33B and consolidate capacity. These adjustments involved delta-V burns via thrusters, typically planned to minimize fuel consumption while adhering to slot coordination agreements. By the early , all Eurobird satellites had reached the end of their operational lives and were either deorbited or retired to graveyard orbits.

Service Regions and Applications

The Eurobird satellite network, operated by , primarily provided coverage to Western and , including regions such as , , and parts of , through a combination of wide beams and targeted spot beams. This core footprint extended southward and eastward to , the , and via fixed wide beams and steerable spot beams, enabling reliable signal delivery across diverse geographies. Key applications of the Eurobird satellites centered on direct-to-home (DTH) television broadcasting, supporting both and pay-TV services with capacities that evolved from approximately 20 channels in the early to over 260 channels by the mid-2010s on positions like 9° East. These satellites facilitated the distribution of hundreds of television and radio channels, leveraging high transmit power for reception via small antennas in residential and commercial settings. Additionally, they enabled broadband for remote and underserved areas, with specialized configurations like the e-BIRD satellite designed for two-way IP-based communications. Maritime and aeronautical communications were supported through the network's integration into Eutelsat's broader , providing connectivity for vessels at sea and in-flight services across covered regions. The Eurobird fleet interoperated seamlessly with Eutelsat's global network, allowing for hybrid service delivery that combined traditional broadcasting with modern standards such as for efficient terrestrial integration and IP-based protocols for versatile content distribution. This connectivity enhanced applications like business telecommunications, news gathering, and services, ensuring scalable bandwidth for evolving user demands in the served regions.

Satellite Fleet

Eurobird 1

Eurobird 1 was launched on March 8, 2001, from the in , , aboard an Ariane 5G rocket as part of a dual-satellite mission that also included BSAT-2a. The satellite was constructed by Alcatel Space (formerly Matra Marconi Space) using the Spacebus-3000B2 platform, with a launch mass of 2,950 kg. Equipped with 24 Ku-band transponders (expandable to 30), each delivering 90 W of output power, Eurobird 1 generated 5.53 kW of end-of-life electrical power from two deployable solar arrays supported by batteries. Designed for a minimum operational lifespan of 12 years, the satellite featured three beams: a fixed beam covering and northwestern , plus two steerable beams for targeted national and regional services, enabling high-power broadcasts receivable by small dishes. Positioned initially at 28.5° East, Eurobird 1 supported direct-to-home (DTH) television broadcasting and across Western and . In March 2012, following 's fleet rebranding, it was renamed Eutelsat 28A while remaining at that slot. On July 3, 2015, it was relocated to 33° East and redesignated Eutelsat 33C to co-locate with Eutelsat 33B, continuing DTH and data services. In the late 2010s, it was further repositioned to 133° West and renamed Eutelsat 133 West A for additional backup capacity in the . As of 2025, the satellite is retired and located in an inclined orbit at 133° West, having exceeded its design life. Eurobird 1 contributed to the early expansion of in by leveraging digital compression techniques, which allowed for increased on its transponders during the transition from analog to .

Eurobird 2

Eurobird 2, originally designated Hot Bird 5, was launched on October 9, 1998, aboard an Atlas IIAS rocket from Air Force Station in . The satellite was constructed by (now part of ) on the Eurostar-2000 platform, with a launch mass of 3,000 kg. The spacecraft features 20 Ku-band transponders, each rated at 110 W output, powered by solar arrays generating 5.5 kW, though the arrays experienced over 10% degradation over time. It supports the DVB-S standard for digital broadcasting, enabling reliable signal transmission for television and data services. Following initial operations at 13° East, Eurobird 2 was repositioned to 25.5° East in 2003, where it provided stable coverage for European and African markets until 2012. Renamed Eutelsat 25A that year, it operated co-located with Es'hail 1 (Eutelsat 25B) before being relocated to 4° East and redesignated Eutelsat 4B in 2013. As of 2025, the satellite is retired and no longer active, though the 25.5° East slot continues to support TV broadcasting to Europe and Africa via successor spacecraft. Eurobird 2 played a key role in Eutelsat's mid-2000s fleet expansion by offering dedicated capacity at 25.5° East for direct-to-home television, serving over 100 broadcasters with digital channels across multiple countries. Its fixed positioning ensured consistent signal quality for high-volume video distribution, marking an advancement in regional coverage during the transition to widespread digital TV adoption.

Eurobird 3

Eurobird 3, originally launched as e-BIRD, represents a key development in Eutelsat's fleet as the first geostationary satellite specifically designed for two-way broadband communications over satellite. Built by Satellite Systems on the HS-376HP platform, it was launched on September 27, 2003, aboard an Ariane 5G from , , as part of a post-2001 wave of satellite deployments aimed at expanding digital services in . With a launch mass of 1,530 kg, e-BIRD was optimized for access networks, featuring a return link capability that supported early trials of consumer internet-over-satellite services. The satellite's technical specifications emphasized efficiency for broadband applications, carrying 20 active Ku-band transponders, each powered by 32-watt amplifiers, connected to four spot beams covering , , , and including . Its power subsystem, generated by body-mounted and drop-skirt solar arrays with batteries, provided a minimum of 1,600 watts throughout its planned 10-year service life, enabling reliable operation for data-intensive services. This design marked an innovation in supporting interactive , distinguishing it from earlier broadcast-focused satellites by prioritizing IP-based connectivity for emerging digital demands. Following its deployment to an initial orbital slot at 25.5° East, e-BIRD was repositioned to 33° East and rebranded as Eurobird 3 in 2006 to align with Eutelsat's unified Eurobird for its expanding fleet. In March 2012, it received the designation Eutelsat 33A as part of Eutelsat's rebranding to a numerical system reflecting orbital positions. Further relocated to 31° East in 2014, it was renamed Eutelsat 31A, where it provided capacity for broadband internet and broadcast services until retirement after exceeding its original design life and is located in an inclined at 31° East as of 2025.

Eurobird 9A

Eurobird 9A, originally launched as 7A on March 11, 2006, aboard an ECA rocket from the in , , was constructed by Alcatel Alenia Space on the Spacebus-3000B3 platform. The satellite had a launch mass of 4,100 kg, with solar arrays providing 10 kW of electrical power and a designed operational life of 15 years. Following the entry into service of at 13° East in February , the satellite was repositioned to the 9° East orbital slot and rebranded as Eurobird 9A to bolster capacity in one of Europe's densest television broadcasting markets. Equipped with 38 Ku-band transponders (each 33 MHz at end-of-life) compatible with standards, it doubled the available transponders at 9° East from 20 to 38, enabling support for 175 television channels and 25 radio stations upon initial deployment. The repositioning facilitated rapid capacity expansion tailored to the growing demand for high-definition and pay-TV services; channel offerings at 9° East grew from around 20 in mid-2007 (pre-repositioning baseline) to over 260 by December 2010, including more than 40 HDTV channels and over 230 encrypted services for platforms like Canal+. This growth underscored Eurobird 9A's role in accommodating the surge in premium content delivery across and the Middle East-North region, reaching over 300 million homes. In March 2012, as part of 's fleet-wide rebranding, Eurobird 9A was renamed Eutelsat 9A; it was later repositioned to 13° East and redesignated 13E in 2016. As of 2025, the satellite remains operational, continuing to contribute to HDTV-focused within the constellation.

Eurobird 16

Eurobird 16, originally launched as Hot Bird 4, was a constructed by Marconi Space (now part of ) based on the Eurostar-2000+ platform. It was deployed into on February 27, 1998, aboard an Ariane 42P from the in , , with a launch mass of 2,900 kg. The satellite featured 20 active Ku-band transponders, each rated at 110 W, enabling direct-to-home television broadcasting across Europe, , and the , with support for the basic DVB-S standard for transmission. Its power subsystem generated 5.5 kW from enlarged solar arrays to sustain operations. In April 2009, following a period of leasing to Nilesat as Nilesat 103 and subsequent relocation, it was repositioned to 16° East and rebranded as Eurobird 16 under Eutelsat's naming strategy for its fleet. Throughout its operational tenure at 16° East, Eurobird 16 served by delivering interim broadcasting and telecommunications capacity, particularly bridging coverage gaps during Eutelsat's fleet transitions in the late 2000s and early 2010s. It supported over 480 television channels before being gradually replaced by the starting in November 2011. Renamed in March 2012 as part of Eutelsat's broader rebranding, the continued limited service until its retirement in 2015, after which it was maneuvered to a ; by 2025, it remains in end-of-life status.

References

  1. https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eurobird-1.htm
  2. https://www.worldteleport.org/news/62719/GlobeCast-Selects-Eutelsats-EUROBIRD-9A-Satellite-to-Launch-HD-Distribution-Platform.htm
  3. https://www.satcat.com/sats/26487
  4. https://spacenews.com/e-bird-the-first-satellite-designed-for-internet-broadband-lofted-into-orbit-for-eutelsat/
  5. https://www.eutelsat.com/files/PDF/investors/2011-12/PR2912-Q3-revenues.pdf
  6. https://hk.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/EUTELSAT-COMMUNICATIONS-5147/news/EUTELSAT-COMMUNICA-Roots-Global-Expands-Asian-Channel-Platform-on-Eutelsat-s-EUROBIRD-TM-9-Satell-591477/
  7. https://www.eutelsat.com/satellite-network/GEO-fleet/eutelsat-9-east
  8. https://www.eutelsat.com/group/about-eutelsat/eutelsats-history
  9. https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/ecs-1.htm
  10. https://spaceflightnow.com/news/n0107/04eutelsat/
  11. https://sky-brokers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Arianespace-Launch-kit-Eutelsat-Eurobird-1.pdf
  12. http://www.astronautix.com/e/eurobird1eu8aeutelsat33c.html
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  15. https://spacenews.com/eutelsat-beefing-its-middle-east-business/
  16. https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/hotbird-7a.htm
  17. https://www.satellitetoday.com/connectivity/2008/02/22/eutelsat-ceo-sees-promise-in-broadband-market/
  18. https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=25495
  19. https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=28946
  20. https://www.satsignal.eu/wxsat/glossary.htm
  21. https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/hotbird-2.htm
  22. https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=27948
  23. https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/eutelsat-9b-communication-satellite/
  24. https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=25237
  25. https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2007/05/15/eutelsat-opens-up-yet-another-new-satellite-neighbourhood/
  26. https://www.janss.kr/archive/view_article?pid=jass-38-1-65
  27. https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=26719
  28. https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-w1r.htm
  29. https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/eutelsat-25b_eshail-1.htm
  30. https://www.scribd.com/document/913227657/EUROBIRD9A
  31. https://www.esa.int/Applications/Connectivity_and_Secure_Communications/Low_cost_internet_access_at_sea
  32. https://www.eutelsat.com/satellite-network/geo-fleet
  33. https://www.eutelsat.com/satellite-services/broadcast-video/video-distribution/dtt-cable-ip-network-feeding
  34. https://spaceflightnow.com/ariane/v162/
  35. https://spacenews.com/launch-date-set-for-boeing-built-e-bird-communications-satellite/
  36. https://www.spacedaily.com/news/satellite-biz-03zz.html
  37. https://www.astronautix.com/h/hotbird7aeusathotbird13e.html
  38. https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2009/02/18/eutelsat-fires-up-hotbird-9/
  39. https://echanges.dila.gouv.fr/OPENDATA/AMF/ECO/2009/02/FCECO010563_20090224.pdf
  40. https://www.satfrq.com/en/Hotbird
  41. https://spacenews.com/glitch-takes-eutelsat-w2-out-action/
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